A workshop-style course in which students examine of the use of video in policy advocacy campaigns, culminating in the production of a short advocacy video working in small groups.
Video plays an ever-increasing role in policy advocacy. It’s not easy to be heard in a sea of information and messages--this is why video, when used wisely, can be an invaluable ally in advocacy work. Advocacy video can convey knowledge on social issues, capture personal stories and experiences, document rights violations, and provide meaningful spaces for marginalized voices to shed light on the real-world impact of public policies. By using the power of visual media, video advocacy is an important tool for raising awareness and building movements.
In this course, we will explore a range of advocacy video strategies and approaches. We will watch advocacy video shorts to examine their effectiveness and consider their impact, audience, and outreach, as well as different means of amplification including the strategic use of social media, traditional press and community outlets. Student’s final project will be to produce a short advocacy video that communicates a message, moves an audience, and ultimately seeks to effect change on a given issue.
Class sessions will be a mix of lecture and discussion. We will spend much of the class time viewing and analyzing a range of advocacy videos and case studies. In addition, there will be introductory practical sessions, and sessions where students critique each other’s video projects at each stage of completion.
No prior experience in video production is required or expected. Students will use the tools currently at their disposal, such as mobile phones and free, online editing software.
Learning
Outcomes
Upon course completion, students will be able to:
· Articulate and understand the role video can play in policy advocacy;
· Become familiar with different uses and forms of advocacy video through viewing examples and case studies;
· Analyze and evaluate different advocacy video tactics, strategies, campaigns, and modes of dissemination;
· Assess the impact and effectiveness of different advocacy videos and articulate fundamental ethical issues around privacy and safety;
· Gain familiarity and/or further experience in using mobile phones for filming and producing short, impactful video work;
Final Project
The final project will be the production of a 2-4 minute advocacy video, working in small groups.
- Instructor: Kate Coyer