Programs

Location

Program Description

This program is designed for students who have an interest in social issue documentary filmmaking as well as those interested in exploring the role media plays in post conflict societies. Students from all majors are welcome to apply. The course will consist of lectures, hand-on workshops, day trips, student presentations, required film screenings and the creation of a short documentary film. Through a partnership with the WSA-Franco Bettoli Center Youth Camp, classroom faculties in Srebrenica will take place in their onsite buildings. The course section in Sarajevo will be held on the campus of the CPE School of Business. The program will spend a total of five weeks in Bosnia and Herzegovina; three weeks in the city Sarajevo and two weeks in the cities of Srebrenica and Tuzla. There will also be several day trips to other towns and villages. The course will include two academic sections: 1) A hands-on documentary filmmaking practicum in which students will develop their visual story telling techniques and skills to create short non-fiction films that can be utilized as tools for social justice, conflict resolution and change. This course will be lead by JMU Assistant Professor Shaun Wright. 2) A theoretical section that will examine the cultural and political complexities of creating media and its impact on post-conflict societies. This course section will be lead by Dr. Emir Nurkic-Kacapor, a visiting professor at the University of Zenica and an international development expert. A key aspect of the course section in Srebrenica will be student’s involvement with the WSA-Franco Bettoli Center Youth Camp. The camp’s mission is to improve the living conditions of post-war returnees and youth in the ethnically divided region of Srebrenica. Community projects, workshops, and activities are designed to foster cultural engagement, educate young people on the importance of peaceful conflict resolution and contribute to the social and economic development of the area as a whole. JMU students will have the opportunity to document the participants’ stories, investigate the impact of such programs on the region, or develop their own story along these themes. One of the highlights of the program will be students’ involvement in the Sarajevo Film Festival’s DocuCorner in which students will attend documentary film screenings, panel discussions, workshops and special events. The Sarajevo Film festival is the one of the largest film festivals in Europe and is attended by many of the region and world’s top non-fiction and fiction filmmakers.

Location Description

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country of tremendous natural beauty that offers a complex blend of cultures, beliefs and is one of the most diverse countries in the former Yugoslavia. The Balkan Peninsula itself is the bridge between Europe and Asia Minor, with Bosnia and Herzegovina lying at the heart of this ancient crossroad between East and West. The influence of these two cultures is apparent across the country and offers a unique experience for visitors. Since the conclusion of the Bosnian War in 1996, its citizens continue to rebuild their country into a multi-cultural, peaceful, democratic society. Though despite their recent tragedies, Bosnians continue in their rich tradition of openness and generosity. It is often said that having a Bosnian friend is having a true friend for life.

Director

Accommodations

Additional Items to Consider

Like most post-conflict environments Bosnia is still a country in a healing process. The Srebrenica course section of the program will overlap with the national day of remembrance for the Srebrenica genocide. Students should be prepared for an experience that can be emotionally and psychologically demanding. Several orientations will be given to help prepare students for the complex cultural and political environment they will encounter in Bosnia.

This program is targeted towards incoming juniors, and those majoring in SMAD and JUST.

Application Process

For this program, students are required to submit the following material(s):

• JMU Short-Term Application Form

• Attend an interview with the program director prior to the application deadline: Shaun Wright | wrigh2jb@jmu.edu | Media Arts and Design

• Submit a completed Faculty recommendation form.

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.5.

For more detailed instructions and to download the application, please click on the following link to the Applications and Forms section for JMU Short-Term Programs.

Official transcript required for first-semester transfer students and non-JMU students.