SCIENCE AND CINEMA
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Delivery method
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
No previous knowledge is required on the topics covered by the course: the basic concepts preparatory to understanding the fundamental issues relating to the making of films and TV series will be illustrated during the first part of the course.
The assessment of learning will be carried out through an oral exam aimed at verifying the knowledge of the contents of the PowerPoint slides projected in class, the textbook and the clips of the films and television episodes that make up the fundamental part of the course. The final score can be increased from 0 to 3 points, corresponding to the evaluation obtained in an individual work, consisting of the presentation, through PowerPoint, of a film or documentary, as agreed with the teacher.
The preliminary purpose of the course is to provide a wide gamut of knowledge on the structure of film and documentaries (subject, script, direction, post-production). The fundamental purpose is to analyze and critically comment on the ways in which science is represented by fictional cinema and TV series.
Expected learning outcomes:
At the end of the course the student is expected to have acquired the following knowledge and ability to apply them:
- the acquisition of the basic concepts relating to the making of films and TV series focused on scientific topics;
- the ability to interpret and discuss the ways in which cinema represents scientific themes;
- the ability to critically analyze the scientific aspects represented in films and TV series, as well as their adherence to scientific reality.
The expected learning outcomes, with particular reference to the second of the points highlighted, are consistent with the learning outcomes of the degree program as a whole.
The first part of the course is aimed at illustrating the fundamentals of the making of films and TV series in the scientific field (number of hours: 16).
The second part of the course (number of hours: 30) focuses on the classroom viewing of scientific films and TV series, which will be commented on and discussed by the teacher. Some of the main films and TV series that will be discussed are: "Imitation game"; "A Beautiful mind"; "The Theory of everything"; "Dark Waters"; "Vajont"; "The Day After Tomorrow"; "The Core"; "The Day after Tomorrow"; "San Andreas"; "Interstellar"; "The Martian"; "Gravity"; "Dante's Peak"; "Manhattan"; "The Big Bang Theory"; "Young Sheldon".
The third part of the course (18 hours) is dedicated to the critical comparison between the fictionary represenation of subjects such as astrophysics, space exploration, mathematics, computer science, geophysics, volcanology, environmental and climatic risks, and the actual science behind the phenomena and concepts dealt with in the analyzed movies and TV series.
Classes integrated by film and documentary viewing sessions.
Students will have a chance to talk with the teacher after booking an appointment via e-mail.
E-mail address: pas.mariotto@yahoo.com