"Individual commitment to a group effort -- that
is what makes a team work, a company work, a society
work, a civilization work."
-Vince Lombardi
[the
program]
The application process
for SOW begins in November of the fall semester when
applications are distributed. Each candidate is interviewed
and the team is selected and notified by winter break.
During this time, the returning SOW members decide upon
the country of study.
The SOW program is
divided into four fundamental practices:
[1] pre-trip
educational preparation
Members enroll in
a student-led house course in the spring semester, where
we explore types of documentary work, the ethics behind
documentary work, and do a historical, cultural, and
political study of the region we will be traveling to.
Additionally. each team member contributes to fundraising
for the trip by applying for university grants.
[2] the team
trip
The team trip is an
intense 3-4week experience in May. While at the trip
site, students will conduct research and document their
findings in the medium of their choice (photography,
film, writing, oral interviews, etc). Also, members
have the option of applying for additional grant money
to stay in the country longer to continue research and/or
travel more within the country.
[3] summer
work
Work on documentary
projects begins immediately during the summer months.
Members develop and print film, write about their experiences,
and formulate a detailed project plan that they can
implement in the fall.
[4] follow-up
initiatives
Upon returning to
school in the fall, SOW members enroll in a follow-up
house course where projects are produced and disseminated
to the Duke and Durham community. Common projects include
photo exhibits, documentary films, photo essays, panel
discussions involving the student body, and class presentations.
