To satisfy a 300 level course for my film minor, last fall I registered for a History and Film class. The class was taught by Dr. Russ Martin, and will forever be one my most my memorable classes at Westminster. Although the class only met once every Tuesday for three hours, the work and discussions from that class remained priority over all other classes and responsibilities. The class changed the way I viewed film and history, a fine indication Dr. Martin did his job. After the first two classes I understood the overall message of Dr. Martin’s lectures and the majority of those to come: Films will never be historically accurate, and that’s fine, as long as the viewer understands that.
Dr. Martin is known throughout the campus for rigorous and thorough editing of students papers and I’m sure he had a field day on most my writing assignments. However, every week I felt myself growing more confident in the class and how to approach it, not as a film minor but a student at a liberal arts institution. I began to participate in class more and write thorough and meaningful essays. While I can’t say I was a shining star in the class by any means, the class significantly improved my writing and intellect. I learned a good bit of history I wouldn’t have learned in any of my core classes and put an emphasis on the “liberal arts education”. All of this, without question, is the direct result of Dr. Martin teaching the course.
It is for this reason I extend an invitation to Dr. Martin to come to the presentation of my capstone documentary. A person understanding of many cultures and an avid film buff, I think Dr. Martin would, at the very least, appreciate the effort that was put forth into this documentary. Although the project is just under twelve minutes, it is my hope he can take away the message of the film. If Dr. Martin is present, I look forward to hearing feedback, criticism, and thoughts on my work. While many professors here at Westminster College have shared a vast amount of information and challenged my point of view, Dr. Martin’s sessions from the “History and Film” remain concrete in reflection and I think for that, he deserves an invitation.
The capstone documentary showcase will be held on November 16, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. in Mueller Theater. My documentary, Life on the Road, is tentatively scheduled in the first slot at 5:30.
