Swiss Defense - Schutz der Schweiz

Dienstag, 29. November 2005, 16:46 Uhr

Dozent: Peter Fend

 

Lernziele

Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each media option with a hot issue for public debate.

 

Lerninhalte

First session:

Becoming aware of the hot issue: how it appears already in the mass media, and even in high art; learning how to "read" the messages being sent out. The issue now is: Energiezukunft, wieviel "erneuerbar"?, auch mit Kernkraft und Staudämme? The situation in particular with Switzerland: Widerstand.

 

Second session:

Knowing about tools for truth discovery: so that whatever you release is credible, or "glaubwürdig". In medicine, one uses tools like x-rays. In sport, one uses the stopwatch. In issues of public policy, one uses remote sensing and on-ground, in-water measurements. Introduction to digital sensing techniques, particularly as conducted in Switzerland. The situation in particular with Switzerland: Das Wasser aus den Bergen fliesst zum Meer. Mit einer die Mikroorganismen schonenden Energiegewinnung können an den Meeresküsten Algen zur Biogasgewinnung gezüchtet werden. Die grosse Gefahr für die Schweizer: Vergleicht man das Eisvorkommens der Schweiz für Europa mit dem Eisvorkommen der Antarktis für die Welt, stellt man fest, dass beide schmelzen.

 

Third session: advertising.

As a class, we study the various ad campaigns, in all media, of the participants in the energyfuture debate. Billboards, print newspaper and magazine, internet, TV and cable, even placements in films.

 

Fourth session: news media, in collaboration with scientists.

Here, the medium adopted claims to be truthful and claims to act solely in the public interest. What happens. First, we analyse news reports appearing on the TV and in newspapers, drawing on a full range of energyfuture. We ask, what does it take to make a news report or news image that is convincing?

 

Fifth session: books, digital press

The book, digital or hard-copy, is around. Arguably, it works better than any other medium in changing history.

What is the impact of eco-books? Or of nonfiction rather than fiction? What is the impact of books like Rem Koolhaas' S,M,L,XL? Does the book have to become a movie to be mass-consumed and be truly influential?

 

Sixth session: film

In the class, we look at clips from films that deal with the Energyfuture, e.g., Water World, The Day After Tomorrow, and arguably, at least in terms of public well-being, Nosferatu. We also look at non-fiction films like Aguirre, The Wrath of God. What works? What convinces? What moves? What lasts?

 

Seventh session: high art, e.g., museums

The situation worldwide in fine arts, including media art, regarding Energyfuture. The experience of Ocean Earth. What was attempted with Global Feed. Why it could work. Why it could fail. Limitations of the museum medium as a credible outlet. It's interesting, and it gets reviews, but does anyone follow through? What is the result, for example, of "Utopia Station" in Venice, and what can be expected from a Documenta with a title called "Regierung". Doest the message work?

 

Eighth session: final product

We put all the output of all sessions together into a book or on-line publication. We also bring the output to the attention of policy-makers in Switzerland, and of media like TV or newspaper.