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Faculty Job Satisfaction: Retaining Faculty in the New Millennium: Author: Drysdale, Dulce Scott; Date: 2005-05-15; Program: Education; Abstract: It is not known to those in higher education at Montana State University-Bozeman (MSU-Bozeman) why tenured faculty chooses to remain in the field of higher education at MSU-Bozeman. Twenty tenured faculty members from five different disciplines in the liberal arts, humanities, social sciences, fine arts, and education programs at this land grant, Doctoral II University were asked to participate in the study. Professors were selected purposefully from liberal arts, humanities, social sciences, fine arts, and education faculty who were tenured and had at least ten years experience and were avail...; Download File | View full details

Spectacular Nature: applying the 'cinema of attactions' to the natural history film genre: Author: Freeberg, andrew Harding; Date: 2008-12-15; Program: Science and Natural History filmmaking; Abstract: The natural history film genre has long been reliant on the commoditizing of nature's beauty as visual spectacle. Associating Tom Gunning's "cinema of attractions" to the nature film genre therefore is an appropriate way to dissect the techniques that maintain its popularity. After understanding the basic rhetorical traditions that nature films employ, it is revealed how the same outdated and over-idealized portrayals of nature continue to be recycled as new technology in methods of production and exhibition continually reinvent the nature film experience....; Download File | View full details

An Ecofeminist Model for Wildlife film: Author: Graziano, Tracy Ann; Date: 2005-05-15; Program: Science and Natural History filmmaking; Abstract: The most dominant form of wildlife film for broadcast currently upholds a dangerous separation between culture and nature with production practices, editing and film subtext. If wildlife films are to change and incorporate science, they must also relate that science to other discourses to present the subject's greater reality. Wildlife films have a duty to represent their subject fairly, and in that fairness propose a preservation ethic that will serve for many as a stepping-stone to environmental salvation. A look into ecofeminist discourse provides a new methodology for producing wildlife fi...; Download File | View full details

film and Music: an overlooked synthesis: Author: Wiessinger, Scott Reinhard; Date: 2009-05-15; Program: Science and Natural History filmmaking; Abstract: Music and image are intricately joined in almost all modern film and video. Despite this, scholars of both fields rarely address the two media as they act on each other. Cognitive studies give an interesting window on the way the brain processes music and image, but again, they do not address the intersection of the two. A few studies, most notably by Marilyn Boltz, do exist that deal with music/image joint processing, and the effect of one on the other. Boltz's work reveals the great potential of further work, both scientific and scholarly, into the synthesis of music and film. A theory of th...; Download File | View full details

Ocean Pictures: the construction of the ocean on film: Author: Kennerson, Elliott Doran; Date: 2008-12-15; Program: Science and Natural History filmmaking; Abstract: Common filmic tropes of the ocean draw upon ideas that go back to the novels of Herman Melville and Jules Verne, who constructed the ocean respectively as a hostile wilderness and a watery Eden. Two of the earliest and most influential underwater filmmakers, Jacques Cousteau and Jean Painlevé, employed these tropes, as have subsequent filmmakers, especially in their depictions of charismatic ocean fauna. The power of the Eden/wilderness dichotomy of the ocean has spilled over not only from novel to film and from fiction to non-fiction, but into the socio-political sphere of ocean-rela...; Download File | View full details

'We on history channel!': the representation of history in documentary film: Author: Jones, Rex Allan; Date: 2009-05-15; Program: Science and Natural History filmmaking; Abstract: The representation of history in documentary film is problematic. Documentary's creative treatment of actuality and assumed fidelity to perceived truth is at conflict with the historian's pursuit of veracity. Ever since the dawn of photography, artists have manipulated images and compromised facticity in service to aesthetics and drama. This trend continued into the early days of cinema, as newsreel producers adopted a more liberal than literal ethos that persists in documentary to this day. Reality can never be shown just as it is even in the most simplistic treatments of the most banal subje...; Download File | View full details

Finding new representations in science and natural history film through a deconstruction of televised weather forcasting: Author: Brown, Parker Brandt; Date: 2008-12-15; Program: Science and Natural History filmmaking; Abstract: Broadcast television networks limit their representation of the weather by embedding weather forecasting with ideologies of science, capitalism, and patriarchy, thereby creating a dispassionate monolithic regime as the totalizing representation of weather in popular media. This is not to say that TV weather forecasting is not useful, but that it is a narrowly focused scientific representation of nature, and as such denies experiences of the weather beyond utilitarian prediction. Non-fiction film employs a set of representational tools that, when applied to the weather, can deconstruct the main...; Download File | View full details

Tonto and Tonto Speak: An Indigenous Based film Theory: Author: Miller, Heather Anne; Date: 2006-05-15; Program: Native American Studies; Abstract: Although there are works on Indian stereotypes in Hollywood films, there has been no work critiquing these misrepresentations from an indigenous based perspective and theory. Moreover there is almost no significant work on films written, directed and produced by Native Americans. I fill this void by constructing a Native American film theory that addresses the issues raised in American Indian film from an Indian perspective. The main inspiration for this project stems from Native American literature. After reading Native American literary theory and taking a Native American literature class, I...; Download File | View full details

Prove It: climate change films and the skeptic: Author: Seyler, Amber Dawn; Date: 2009-05-15; Program: Science and Natural History filmmaking; Abstract: Science and natural history documentaries can be an entertaining and effective way to teach the public about a scientific topic. The topic of climate change presents a unique set of problems that require that a successful climate change film must rethink how the science is presented. Climate change is unique in that it has been so politicized that not only is it controversial, but a whole segment of the population (including those in government) simply doesn't believe that climate change exists. So each climate change film must be seen as an argument, and as a political document, if its goal i...; Download File | View full details

Analysis and Design of MEMS Scan Mirrors Using Periodically Stiffened Silicon Nitride: Author: Lutzenberger, Bert Jeffrey; Date: 2006-05-15; Program: Civil Engineering; Abstract: This research presents a novel fabrication method combining surface and bulk micromachining techniques to deposit mechanically stiffened silicon nitride films for use in MEMS fabrication. The stiffened silicon nitride film consists of a thin (~1.5 um) top sheet with stiffening fins molded to the back of the film. In the final configuration, the fins extend between 15 um and 40 um vertically from the back of the film. The molded fins are arranged into periodic square and hexagonal cell configurations ranging in size from 10 um to 250 um. The periodic cells significantly increase the bending sti...; Download File | View full details

Perspective in Wildlife films: Author: Kasic, Kathryn Elizabeth; Date: 2007-08-15; Program: Science and Natural History filmmaking; Abstract: Discussions of perspective rarely occur in analyses of wildlife films perhaps because of the near neglect of the genre itself as well as the fact that most analysis focuses on content, rather than structure and style. Perspective has long been a part of narrative film criticism, however, and it is essential to a complete examination of a film genre. I define perspective here as the cognitive view of the mind that commands the subject. In documentary and wildlife films, credibility is vital and the film's perspective or point of view establishes this through the use of the camera apparatus and ...; Download File | View full details

The Romantic Genius of Einstein and the Science Essay film: Author: Radcliff, Matthew Robert; Date: 2006-12-15; Program: Science and Natural History filmmaking; Abstract: The image of Einstein as a scientific genius, a talent so elevated it can spill over the boundaries between science and art, requires the assumption that art and science are not simply different fields of knowledge, but are polar opposites. Despite two centuries of effort, the debate on the relationship of art and science is far from resolved; the notion that they are exclusive of each other is even less established. However, there remains a tendency to treat art and science as the two extremes of a linear scale of talent. Only an exceptional person, therefore, can straddle the line between th...; Download File | View full details

Connections: making sense of the world around us (the use of music in documentary films): Author: Glover, Kristin Lynn; Date: 2009-08-15; Program: Science and Natural History filmmaking; Abstract: Music is often a neglected and undervalued element in documentary films. This thesis looks at music cognition, film cognition, and learning theory to argue for the importance of music in documentary films. Adhering to the theory that the documentary film genre is an educational tool first and foremost, the use of music strengthens a film's potential to engage with and educate an audience. The first portion of this thesis examines brain function as it pertains to music and learning, as well as research in narrative film cognition, looking particularly at how documentary films provide a unique m...; Download File | View full details

AnOther Language: Author: Ronan, Carah Dawn; Date: 2007-12-15; Program: Science and Natural History filmmaking; Abstract: Through revisionist anthropology, postcolonial theories and feminist theories, an alternative language in film can come to light. The analysis of spoken words in film calls attention to the use of language as a cinematic tool. Las Hurdes uses narration to construct a fictionalized society presented within the context of a documentary. This unconventional approach encourages viewers to view films more skeptically, while Everest: Beyond the Limits, reinforces the dominant ideologies of the west. films without spoken words also call attention to the use of language that is conveyed to viewers in ...; Download File | View full details

Historical inquiry and epiphany: a bridge for elementary education majors learning to design elementary art curriculum: Author: Boehler, Kimberly Raie; Date: 2008-05-15; Program: Curriculum and Instruction; Abstract: Theory and practice for comprehensive art education (K-8) has continued to reflect and influence reform in general education since the 1960s. Yet in spite of development of exemplary programs, art in many classrooms is often limited to experimentation with materials, providing breaks in the day for students or teachers. Teacher educators need to consider what training will enable emerging elementary teachers to become competent developers of relevant and purposeful art curriculum (for learning built on knowledge and skills unique to the arts.) The purpose of this qualitative study was to guide...; Download File | View full details

The Preference for the Exotic in Wildlife Broadcast film: Author: Fitzgibbons, Ryan Patrick; Date: 2007-05-15; Program: Science and Natural History filmmaking; Abstract: American wildlife broadcast film has exhibited a preference for exotic fauna, leaving much of North American wildlife underappreciated. The American preference for the exotic finds its roots in the early African hunting films of Cherry Kearton, John Hemment, and Martin Johnson. These films became manifestations of the Pristine, a conceptual realm of untouched wildness filled with aesthetically-pleasing megafauna. Since then, visions of the Pristine, through the exotic wildlife and landscape, have remained popular in American broadcast viewing, as seen in Animal Planet's programming. Exotic wil...; Download File | View full details

The Use of Archival Footage in Documentary Rhetoric: Author: Grue, Amanda Michelle; Date: 2006-05-15; Program: Science and Natural History filmmaking; Abstract: This thesis examines the ways in which archival footage are used in documentary rhetoric. Based upon Aristotle's Rhetoric, there are two types of proof: inartistic and artistic. I argue that there is an inherent truth claim to archival footage based on its indexical bond to the historical event it captures and suspends in time, which gives the footage merit as evidence. However, evidence alone is not absolute truth. All evidence is subject to interpretation and argument. Once archival footage is placed into the larger context of a documentary film to support or refute an argument about a parti...; Download File | View full details

Ecstatic Truth through Fiction: Re-framing the Science film to Engage a Wider Audience: Author: Smith, Elizabeth Ann; Date: 2007-05-15; Program: Science and Natural History filmmaking; Abstract: Americans obtain a majority of their information about science through science films, primarily in the form of documentaries on television. However, despite the recent proliferation of these films, there is much discussion in the science filmmaking community about how ineffective these films have been lately at informing the public about science and compelling viewers to act. It is time to look at the underlying definitions of the genre from a different perspective and determine whether the current standards are the best way to successfully convey messages about science to the widest audience....; Download File | View full details

Less like science, more like film: the use of non-redundant images to facilitate critical thinking in science film: Author: Zemel, Dustin Reed; Date: 2008-12-15; Program: Science and Natural History filmmaking; Abstract: It is the tendency of films and television programs promoting scientific subject matter to use semantically redundant images in juxtaposition with expository narration. Producers and filmmakers alike recognize that this powerful combination bolsters the appearance of objectivity in the piece, and thusly the scientific credibility of the presentation. Critics Carl Gardner and Robert Young argue that this type of stylistic self-containment hurts the advancement of science, and call for a new method of presentation that would encourage discourse and openness instead of closure. This essay highlig...; Download File | View full details

The private lives of scientists: revealing the human-side of science film: Author: Misztal, Stefanie Snioszek; Date: 2008-08-15; Program: Science and Natural History filmmaking; Abstract: As a genre, science films have routinely dehumanized the scientists who appear in them, portraying these characters as simple, one-dimensional encyclopedias of knowledge, whose sole purpose is to relay facts and provide expert testimony in support of the filmmaker's agenda. These films fall short of their true potential when they neglect to present their subjects as complex, multidimensional human beings with fascinating stories, opinions, tragedies and comedies to share about their lives. As science filmmakers we should attempt to re-humanize the way science is portrayed on film by looking t...; Download File | View full details

Never wash away: a case study of video-centered outreach in the Republic of Congo: Author: Matheson, Kelly Ann; Date: 2009-08-15; Program: Science and Natural History filmmaking; Abstract: Since its inception, documentary film has been thought to be an effective way to galvanize social change. With the explosion of video for change organizations and projects both filmmakers and funders have a growing need to make a solid connection between the power of film and its concrete impact. This thesis will set forth the key principles for successful advocacy filmmaking and explore how the International Conservation and Education Fund's (INCEF's) Great Ape Public Awareness Project incorporated these principles into its approach to advocacy filmmaking. This exploration will be accomplishe...; Download File | View full details

Humor in science and nature films: just because you can, doesn't mean that you should: Author: Gerner, Lyn Elaine; Date: 2008-05-15; Program: Science and Natural History filmmaking; Abstract: In this thesis, I assert that humor is not generally appropriate for and applicable to science and natural history ("SNH") films. Considering perspectives and research on humor from fields spanning comedy writing, documentary film theory, evolutionary psychology, pedagogy, behavioral studies, etc., I'll attempt to synthesize some conclusions about treatments, forms and topics that can accommodate humor. I begin by briefly providing some supporting evidence for the assertion that humor has played a minor role in SNH films. I argue that SNH filmmakers have used humor rarely because ...; Download File | View full details

The Theory and Practice of Nature: Reinventing Nature through the Literature of Jim Harrison: Author: Lewis IV, James Fielding; Date: 2007-08-15; Program: English; Abstract: The term, "nature," has been and continues to be utilized widely throughout Western culture to great effect in shaping our understanding of ourselves as "human beings," what we conceive of as our "environment," and our existence. This thesis aims to explore traditionally and alternatively-based popular understandings and conceptions of "nature," their origins, and their consequences, along with the making of an alternative conception of nature through a reinvention of the term by means of the literary arts. In the course of this study, the work of severa...; Download File | View full details

Science and Natural History film and the Larger Media Environment: Author: Ruggiero, Colin Ross; Date: 2005-08-15; Program: Science and Natural History filmmaking; Abstract: The purpose of this thesis is to examine the ways in which science and natural history films are affected by the larger media environment and in particular, concentrated ownership structures. This first part of this examination is aimed at establishing that the corporate conglomerates that own the majority of mainstream media outlets and resources have sufficient control over the media environment to warrant speaking about specialized programming like science and natural history within the context of the larger corporate-owned environment. The remainder of the paper discusses the impacts this ...; Download File | View full details

Remote Outreach Cinema Campaign: (R.O.C.C.): Author: Kellett, Ian Alexander; Date: 2006-08-15; Program: Science and Natural History filmmaking; Abstract: This thesis proposes strategies for the making and exhibition of films that amplify conservation values and efforts in rural communities. The films support and promote the missions of local leaders and the agendas of respected environmental agencies. The filmmaking strategies entail identifying existing conservation values as experienced through broad themes such as quality of life, economics and community development. By focusing on the collaborative process of making and projecting a film, these strategies serve to inspire innovative solutions promoting responsible stewardship of the land an...; Download File | View full details

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