With registration for the Spring 2024 semester underway, students are in the process of selecting classes that appeal to both their chosen degrees and personal interests. One course students may want to consider is Philosophy through Film, an excellent option for those interested in either or both topics.

A flier promoting the course describes it as “[Attempting] to show how philosophy can interconnect themes and ideas presented by film directors.” Main themes often discussed in the class include human freedom, personal identity, happiness, knowledge vs illusion and the meaning of life.

The course is led by professor Meredith Gunning, Ph.D.  Gunning has taught philosophy at Northern Essex for nearly 20 years, bringing her knowledge and care for the particular field of study into the classroom every day. Gunning’s evident love for philosophy is notable, possibly less notable is her love for film; that is, until the topic presents itself.

“Movies can get us thinking and feeling differently.” Gunning says, “They can deepen us.”.

According to Gunning, many of her students are accustomed to analyzing film even prior to taking this course, however, through engaging class discussions, thoughtful written responses and the reading of scholarly papers, students’ analysis skills become enhanced. 

An additional takeaway skill students can gain from the course is a deeper appreciation of films. Whether you are a person who already adores watching movies or feel somewhat indifferent to them, Philosophy through Film introduces an array of lenses to perceive films through, creating a more fulfilling movie viewing experience that will hopefully stick with students even long after the course is completed. 

Often, this is the case; Gunning admits it always brings a smile to her face when a past student reaches out to tell her about a new film they’ve seen and discuss their thoughts on it.

Films such as Her and Ex Machina are included within the course, both of which Gunning acknowledges with a humorless chuckle “don’t seem like sci-fi so much anymore.”, in reference to recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence and other technology.

“Films can be transformative in the way we even look at people.” Gunning says. As an example, she mentions 12 Years a Slave, a film that is not included in the course but Gunning encourages people to see anyway. Films, such as the aforementioned one, that highlight heartbreaking yet true events are beneficial because they approach real issues in a way that is more personal, and therefore impactful, than a textbook. 

When asked to pick a favorite film from the course, Gunning struggled to narrow it down to just one answer. However, she quickly gushed about the previous Academy Award-winning best picture, Everything Everywhere all at Once, and the emotional impact it had on her. Gunning hopes to add this film as a part of the Philosophy through Film course, saying it would fit in well while the class discusses the meaning of life.

Students who take this class can look forward to the final film of the semester: a movie of their own choosing.

Classes in the past have chosen titles such as Shawshank Redemption and Harold and Maude.

The Philosophy through Film course is offered biennially, making this possibly the only opportunity for two-year students to experience it. 

At the end of the day, Gunning says she hopes for her students to “enrich their thinking and awareness for the world around us.” after having taken her class.

In a world where climate change has already negatively affected all living things so much, what does the future hold in store for us?

The Peabody Essex Museum tackles this question in their exhibit, ‘Climate Action: Inspiring Change’, on view until June 25 in the museums Art and Nature Center. The answer that visitors will walk away with is not necessarily a pessimistic one, although it can be gleaned that change is a vital part of saving our future; changing our mindsets and actions, in both big and small ways, to treat our planet nicer.

The twenty-nine artists whose works are featured in this exhibit do exactly that, inspire change. “We can solve climate change… It’s not all doom and gloom!” says one of the contributing artists, Jada Mensah.

A variety of mediums, such as woodwork, paintings, photography and more can be found throughout the exhibit each sharing some depiction of how climate change has affected us and our planet, but more importantly a glimmer of hope. Like in Xingfeiyan Liu’s painting, “Clean,” which portrays two young people collecting trash from the ocean.

The theme of hope permeates “Climate Action,” leaving visitors with an inclination towards making more eco-friendly choices rather than inescapable feelings of impending doom. “Overall, I hope that they come away with an emotional response to the topic, whatever that may be to them,” said Jill Pelto, one of the contributing artists. “I want people to feel a connection, an engagement to the stories I’m telling about our world in my art.”

Pelto’s art is unique because she uses a combination of data research on climate change and watercolors and drawings of landscapes. Pelto’s painting “Replanting Resilience” at first glance is simply of people walking in a field with trees in the distance and fish swimming in a pond below. But upon further inspection three line graphs can be located. The line in the wooded area represents the increase of U.S. adults who supported policies to protect the environment.The line on the hill represents an increase in National Wildlife Refuge acreage. The line along the pond water represents sea level rises with two additional lines rising from it showing projections for the future.

While the message of hope is conveyed in one way or another by the artists, they each are also stressing the importance of the issue and how action is necessary to make a change for the better.

“We don’t need to be perfect about it or hard on others, it’s about doing the things we can to make a change,” Pelto said.

In addition to the art, the Peabody Essex Museum made efforts in assembling this exhibit to be as environmentally friendly as possible by using energy-efficient lighting, recycled walls and cases, as well as the use of Ecoboard which is a 100% recyclable product, for the graphics and labels.

The Peabody Essex Museum, located in Salem, Massachusetts, is currently hosting an exhibit that showcases fashion trends and statements throughout the decades, putting a spotlight on female designers.

The exhibit, entitled Made It: The Women who Revolutionized Fashion, is set to be on display through March 14.

Upon entering, a few paragraphs on walls painted black states how 2020 marks the 100-year anniversary of the 19^th. Amendment, which allowed women to vote. Since then, women everywhere have made impressive strides in countless fields, one of which being fashion.

Beginning in 1675, women started to break the gender norms of the time, entering an era where women had more freedom over their clothing. Ever since, women like Gabrielle Chanel, Betsey Johnson, Donna Karan and many more have been a huge staple in fashion.

The exhibit features 107 works in total and is in partnership with the Kunstmuseum in the Netherlands. As you walk through the exhibit past the assemblage of stunning clothing and inspiring quotes from fashion icons and moguls adorning the walls, it feels as though you’re passing through time. It is evident that the overall design of the exhibit is pieced together so seamlessly, and each era of clothing sparks a new conversation.

“I hope that people are struck by how deep and rich women’s history is and how intertwined it is with fashion history and the evolution of the industry,” says P.E.M’s Director of Curatorial Affairs, Petra Slinkard. “I also hope that people make personal connections and see themselves or someone they love and respect in the narrative. I hope people leave feeling inspired and hungry for more information [as well].”

“The Women who Revolutionized Fashion” does exactly that, it’s hard not to leave thinking how these remarkable women have played a role in all of our lives. They’ve shaped the industry into what it is today, a place where anyone and everyone is welcome, and women are in control of their own individual styles.