LOS ANGELES--Normally the stars shine brightly in Hollywood, but it was students of CCCU member institutions who had their opportunity to shine April 30 when the L.A. Film Studies Center held its festival-ready films “Premiere Night,” an end-of-semester tradition for students of the domestic BestSemester program.

Premiere Night features films written, cast, directed and edited by LAFSC students as part of their Hollywood Production Workshop (HPW) coursework. 

The student films included “Kat,” the story of a road-worn trucker who fights her family to give her grandfather the burial he told her he wanted when she was a little girl; “Maxwell,” the story of a boy who utilizes a school talent show and his magic kit to win the heart of a young girl; “The Ghost of Pailthorpe,” the tale of a new teacher who must battle the ghost of the man who had his job before his tragic death; and “The Ancestry of Thomas Waylebarry,” which tells of a boy who rescues a ballerina from her difficult family circumstances, only to find the circumstances were caused by the girl he rescued.

This year, the film screening was held in the Chaplain Theater on the Raleigh Studios Lot in Hollywood. Charlie Chaplain once owned the studios and made many of his most famous films there. 

“Our goal is to give students the opportunity to have a true Hollywood red carpet premiere of their films,” said LAFSC director, Rebecca Ver Straten-McSparran. “Holding it at the Chaplin Theater offers the opportunity of screening on a studio lot in a lovely theater. We've used other interesting venues in the past, including the Sunset Laemmle and the Academy's Linwood Dunn Theater.” 

Approximately 150 attended the event, including LAFSC students, faculty and staff, program alumni, actors from the films and even some parents. 

“Two of the films featured children this year, so the entire front row of the theater was filled with excited child actors,” said Ver Straten-McSparran. 

LAFSC faculty member, John Bucher, looks forward to viewing the students’ capstone pieces and finds that seeing their hard work come to fruition is fulfilling for students as well as the faculty and staff.

“Our Premiere screening has become not only a significant event for our students but also for our alumni,” Bucher said. “It is not uncommon for industry professionals, actors and alums from our program to attend the premiere. It is an opportunity for our best and brightest from previous semesters to mingle with the up and coming filmmakers of tomorrow.”

Of course, participating in a real Hollywood film screening is a nice addition to any students resume, Ver Straten-McSparran adds.

“This event offers a unique experience that is not replicable in any other part of the country,” she said, “and is a great way to celebrate the end of the semester.”

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About BestSemester: The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities offers 12 off-campus study programs, collectively branded BestSemester®, which expand learning opportunities for students from CCCU campuses and are designated as culture-shaping or culture-crossing programs. Culture-shaping BestSemester programs are: American Studies Program (Washington, D.C.); Contemporary Music Center (Nashville); Los Angeles Film Studies Center (Los Angeles); and Washington Journalism Center (Washington, D.C.). Culture-crossing BestSemester programs are: Australia Studies Centre; China Studies Program; India Studies Program; Latin American Studies Program; Middle East Studies Program; Programmes in Oxford; and Uganda Studies Program. Visit www.bestsemester.com for program details.

About the CCCU:  The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of 172 intentionally Christ-centered institutions around the world. The 118 member campuses in North America are all fully-accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities with curricula rooted in the arts and sciences. In addition, 54 affiliate campuses from 20 countries are part of the CCCU. The Council’s mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help our institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth. Visit www.cccu.org.

It’s a common scene at BestSemester programs around the world. The semester ends, tearful good-byes are shared between newfound friends, and students head home. The students who aren’t immediately graduating return to campus the next semester full of stories about their BestSemester experience and bursting at the seams to share them with their peers. But how?

For the past five years, BestSemester has offered a platform for program alumni returning to their campuses to share their stories and encourage other students to consider studying abroad or off-campus. The BestSemester Alumni Ambassador Program was created in the fall of 2007 by partnering with 10 program alumni who were returning to their campuses. Since then, the program has grown to include at least 20 students representing BestSemester on their home campus each semester, for a total of 40 alumni involved per year. 

BestSemester Campus Relations Assistant, Meghan Donaghue, recruits and works with the alumni ambassadors. “We are encouraged with the number of qualified applicants each semester; it’s very exciting to see so much enthusiasm from our alumni to share their stories and spread the word back on their campus.”

This fall, Kylie Stevens and Travis Dodd were selected to be co-ambassadors at William Jessup University in Rocklin, Calif. Stevens and Dodd both participated in the Middle East Studies Program during the spring 2012 semester.

“Traveling to the Middle East allowed me to open a new door into a place that was only a mystery to me before,” Stevens shared.  “Being [at MESP] made me see so much in our world that is impacted by others, and I learned how we impact others.”

Alumni Ambassadors are tasked with just one responsibility: host at least one event on campus to share about the types of BestSemester programs that are offered. When Stevens received the notice that BestSemester was looking for ambassadors, she knew it would be a perfect fit. 

“Every time someone asked if I recommended studying abroad I responded with an enthusiastic ‘Yes!’”

William Jessup University is currently making efforts to encourage more of their students to study off-campus for a semester, so the university was enthusiastic when approached about having BestSemester Alumni Ambassadors on campus. 

“Kylie and Travis are both excellent students who have a passion to learn, and the BestSemester program was one of the best ways to integrate that passion with a study abroad experience,” said Tina Petersen, William Jessup University registrar. “We who support the BestSemester programs know what an incredible experience it will be. However, Kylie and Travis have been able to express that experience to their peers in a way that I can’t.” 

Stevens and Dodd at William Jessup have already made great strides this semester by hosting an informational table after chapel services on campus each week.

At Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Mount Vernon, Ohio, Bethany Parks is now in her third semester working with the Alumni Ambassador program after studying at the Uganda Studies Program in spring 2011.

“I had an absolutely amazing experience with BestSemester,” Parks shared. “I feel very passionate that students should spend a semester abroad to enrich their knowledge as well as open their eyes to people, cultures, and other opportunities that may never arise again.”

Eastern University student and fall 2011 India Studies Program alumna Natasha Yoder is planning an event this fall to facilitate conversations between BestSemester alumni at Eastern, which is located in St. Davids, Pa., and students who have questions about the BestSemester programs. 

“I chose to apply to be an ambassador because I really enjoyed my semester at ISP and wanted to encourage other students to take the opportunity to study abroad with BestSemester,” Yoder said. “I still get excited when I talk about my time in India, so I am always happy to talk with others about my experience and answer any questions about my time there.”

Andrea Haskins, a spring 2012 India Studies Program alumna, admits that she would have shared her BestSemester experience and urged fellow students at Messiah College in Grantham, Pa., to study abroad no matter what. “I wanted to be an ambassador so I could have access to more resources and be a part of the community of ambassadors.”

At William Jessup, Stevens and Dodd look forward to sharing about BestSemester opportunities at a missions fair later this month. They are planning an event to highlight stories from other BestSemester alumni at William Jessup while showcasing foods from areas like the Middle East and Uganda, where several of the students have studied. 

Petersen, the William Jessup registrar, looks forward to supporting the alumni ambassador campus team this semester. “Having an Alumni Ambassador is the one of the best ways to promote what great opportunities are available to William Jessup students,” she said. 

Student applications for spring 2013 Alumni Ambassador positions will soon be available. If your campus has an interest in working with a student as a BestSemester Alumni Ambassador, please contact Lindsey Podguski, campus relations manager (lpodguski@cccu.org). 

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About BestSemester: The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities offers 12 off-campus study programs, collectively branded BestSemester®, which expand learning opportunities for students from CCCU campuses and are designated as culture-shaping or culture-crossing programs. Culture-shaping BestSemester programs are: American Studies Program (Washington, D.C.); Contemporary Music Center (Nashville); Los Angeles Film Studies Center (Los Angeles); and Washington Journalism Center (Washington, D.C.). Culture-crossing BestSemester programs are: Australia Studies Centre; China Studies Program; India Studies Program; Latin American Studies Program; Middle East Studies Program; Programmes in Oxford; and Uganda Studies Program. Visit www.bestsemester.com for program details.

About the CCCU:  The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of 172 intentionally Christ-centered institutions around the world. The 118 member campuses in North America are all fully-accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities with curricula rooted in the arts and sciences. In addition, 54 affiliate campuses from 19 countries are part of the CCCU. The Council’s mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help our institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth. Visit www.cccu.org.

LAFSC Faculty Members Coach Fledgling Filmmakers Around the World

By Jeremy Casper, faculty/instructor, BestSemester Los Angeles Film Studies Center


It was Saint Ambrose who said, “When I am at Rome, I fast on a Saturday; when I am at Milan, I do not. Follow the custom of the church where you are.”  This phrase probably sounds familiar, though you are more than likely accustomed to the shortened and much more song-lyric-friendly, “When in Rome, do as the Romans…” 

While on his missionary journeys, the Apostle Paul took on the customs of the cultures he visited by becoming “all things to all men” for the sake of the gospel.

Saint Augustine and the Apostle Paul both knew that in order to reach a culture, they must first know the culture—an endeavor that encompasses learning everything from new languages to idiosyncratic customs to the proper way to ask for directions to the bathroom.

Our world is different than the worlds of Augustine and Paul.  Today, there are believers rising up in every known people group, from every corner of the globe.  How necessary is it for me to become like an Ethiopian, when there are numerous Ethiopians rising up in their own land? Who better to reach out to New Zealanders than the Kiwi’s or the Māori people?  What advice can someone like me—a guy from Hollywood—bring to the people of Ukraine? 

The Global Short Film Network is a collective of artists affiliated with Cru (formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ).  Part of GSFN’s mission is to coach filmmakers, particularly outside North America, on how to craft stories that speak to their culture.  My colleague John Bucher and I have been given the opportunity to travel to some of the above-mentioned countries and join GSFN to teach week-long filmmaking seminars to locals who want to learn how to use film in ministry.

There’s not much advice I can give Christians in the Muslim world of Egypt.  But I can teach them a language that tends to be understood across cultures, and that is the language of cinema.

I recently returned from a trip to Ukraine.  There I worked with an amazing group of artists who are reaching out to the younger generation of Ukrainians through the use of online short films and media.  They already have all the tools.  Many of them already know how to run cameras and how to interface with editing software.  But they do not know how to effectively tell stories.

Cinema (and the arts) shares something in common with the Holy Spirit.  In Romans, Paul tells us that the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf, expressing the achings of our hearts with groans that words cannot express.  Art does the exact same thing; it gives tangible form to those complexities of our inner self that words are painfully incapable of describing.

Story has a way of bypassing our brains and cutting straight through to our hearts; it’s a powerful way to communicate that can be inadvertently abused if entrusted to someone who doesn’t understand the language.  Just like studying any language, filmmakers must learn how to, not only read the language of cinema (critical viewing, film deconstruction), but also how to write in the language of cinema (crafting stories, choosing proper camera angles, lighting, editing) in order for their films to reach their full potential. I cannot be an effective filmmaker unless I understand how the medium of film works and why the human psyche responds to story the way it does. 

During our seminars, I spend an entire week teaching the basics of film.  We meet with students in their home countries, often working with multiple translators, cramming nearly an entire semester’s worth of information into four days!  We cover topics like, “Developing Your Protagonist,” “The Basic Beats of Storytelling,” “Understanding Your Antagonist,” and “Writing Effective Endings.”

During the second half of our seminar the students get to choose a specific track of study.  I teach the Directing Track. In this track students learn how to effectively translate their scripted stories into fully fleshed-out films on the big screen.  We talk about auditioning actors, giving direction on set, working with the director of photography, using the language of cinema, and a number of other topics to prepare them for the next phase of their studies.

After I leave, students spend another week shooting their freshly-written short films.  They end their training time with a film festival and celebration.  After saying their goodbyes, they board planes, head back to their respective countries, and begin implementing the things they learned during their film training.

I always tell my students that the best way to learn something is to teach it.  I have never once stepped away from the lecture podium at the LAFSC or at a film school on the other side of the world without having learned something new.  Every time I teach abroad, I discover new cultural perspectives on how humans engage story.  So much of what I now teach at the LAFSC has come from the bits and pieces I’ve gathered from my teachings abroad.

The basics of story have been in place for millennia and are understood universally around the world.  What better way to learn story and prepare myself as an instructor than to teach it around the world.



About the author: Jeremy Casper has been teaching at the Los Angeles Film Studies Center since fall 2007. An alum of LAFSC and Southwest Baptist University, he earned an M.A. in Communication, with an emphasis in Film Directing and Cinematography, from Regent University.  Jeremy served as writer/director/producer for his recently-completed first feature film, Vacant House, which he is currently submitting to festivals.  This summer, with his LAFSC colleague John Bucher, Jeremy will co-author a book on story structure for the short film. He is also developing a new feature screenplay set to launch production in summer 2013. 

About BestSemester: The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities offers 12 off-campus study programs, collectively branded BestSemester®, which expand learning opportunities for students from CCCU campuses and are designated as culture-shaping or culture-crossing programs. Culture-shaping BestSemester programs are: American Studies Program (Washington, D.C.); Contemporary Music Center (Nashville); Los Angeles Film Studies Center (Los Angeles); and Washington Journalism Center (Washington, D.C.). Culture-crossing BestSemester programs are: Australia Studies Centre; China Studies Program; India Studies Program; Latin American Studies Program; Middle East Studies Program; Programmes in Oxford; and Uganda Studies Program. Visit www.bestsemester.com for program details.

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About BestSemester: The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities offers 12 off-campus study programs, collectively branded BestSemester®, which expand learning opportunities for students from CCCU campuses and are designated as culture-shaping or culture-crossing programs. Culture-shaping BestSemester programs are: American Studies Program (Washington, D.C.); Contemporary Music Center (Nashville); Los Angeles Film Studies Center (Los Angeles); and Washington Journalism Center (Washington, D.C.). Culture-crossing BestSemester programs are: Australia Studies Centre; China Studies Program; India Studies Program; Latin American Studies Program; Middle East Studies Program; Programmes in Oxford; and Uganda Studies Program. Visit www.bestsemester.com for program details.

About the CCCU:  The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of 185 intentionally Christ-centered institutions around the world. The 116 member campuses in North America are all fully-accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities with curricula rooted in the arts and sciences. In addition, 69 affiliate campuses from 25 countries are part of the CCCU. The Council’s mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help its institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth. Visit www.cccu.org.

By Chris Krebsbach, LAFSC industry relations director

The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities’ BestSemester Los Angeles Film Studies Center is proud to announce that two LAFSC alumni were part of the crew of 2012’s Best Picture Oscar winner, The Artist.  In addition, Christina Lee Storm, a regular guest speaker for LAFSC’s Faith and Artistic Development course was the production supervisor on the film.  LAFSC sat down with Katie Alloway Page, spring 2005 alumna, and David Smokay, fall 2010 alum, to ask about their experience.

LAFSC: How did you get your position on The Artist?

Smokay:  LAFSC’s internship director had tried to set me up with an internship on the Disney lot, but when we never heard back from them, I was a little disappointed. Almost a week after internships started, I got a call from LAFSC about a feature film looking for office interns for "a black and white silent French film." So that afternoon I set up an interview time, and they offered me the position the next day. I was an office intern but ended up working with the camera crew so much, they requested I be listed as a camera intern in the credits.

Page:  I found out about the opportunity through Christina Lee Storm, the production supervisor of The Artist.  I was in the Producing and Entertainment Executive Program at Act One, and she reached out to them for interns…I didn't know much about the project at that time, just that it was a black and white silent film, produced by a French production company, and it would be shot in Hollywood.  Little did I know that I was working on the next Best Picture.

LAFSC: What fun stories do you have about working on the film?

Smokay:  In November, I was asked to drive Malcolm McDowell [who plays The Butler in the film] from Paramount Studios to his home in the Simi Valley. So for an hour and a half, I was able to listen to him tell me stories about when he was young and breaking into the business. As if that wasn't enough, when we reached his home, he asked me to come in and meet his wife and two young sons.

Another time, during the last week of shooting, while waiting for lighting to be set, I asked [a crew member] what he thought about the film overall. He responded, "I've worked on a lot of films, but with this film...I smell award season." Even though I hoped he was right, I never thought it would win an Oscar, much less Best Picture.

Page:  My favorite moment of the entire experience is the first time I watched the film.  It screened at the AFI Film Festival at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre…I've never experienced anything quite like it.  At the end of the film, we received a standing ovation, and I knew in that moment that we were part of something very special. 

LAFSC: How does it feel to have a Best Picture award winner on your resume?

Page: I feel incredibly grateful to have The Artist be the first feature I worked on… My hope is that I continue to work on films that embrace beauty, truth, and meaning.  I am incredibly proud to be a part of the team and hope that I get another opportunity to work alongside these wonderful creators, producers, cast, and crew.

Smokay: It feels a little surreal right now. I still can't believe it's the same film I worked on…Regardless of any awards it won, it was the most eye-opening experience of my life, and I feel like it has equipped me greatly to work in the film industry.  

LAFSC: Any final thoughts?

Smokay:  The opportunity to work on such an important film came straight from God. I couldn't have dreamed up or planned that perfect internship. I am very grateful for the entire LAFSC faculty and staff…Their guidance was instrumental in my success and placement on this film set.

Page:  I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the LAFSC for having me as part of the program in the spring of 2005.  It is through LAFSC that I discovered my love for Hollywood and producing films.  I owe many of the opportunities that I have had over the past seven years to your organization and the wonderful people that run the program.  From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

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About BestSemester: The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities offers 12 off-campus study programs, collectively branded BestSemester®, which expand learning opportunities for students from CCCU campuses and are designated as culture-shaping or culture-crossing programs. Culture-shaping BestSemester programs are: American Studies Program (Washington, D.C.); Contemporary Music Center (Nashville); Los Angeles Film Studies Center (Los Angeles); and Washington Journalism Center (Washington, D.C.). Culture-crossing BestSemester programs are: Australia Studies Centre; China Studies Program; India Studies Program; Latin American Studies Program; Middle East Studies Program; Programmes in Oxford; and Uganda Studies Program. Visit www.bestsemester.com for program details.

About the CCCU:  The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of 185 intentionally Christ-centered institutions around the world. The 116 member campuses in North America are all fully-accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities with curricula rooted in the arts and sciences. In addition, 69 affiliate campuses from 25 countries are part of the CCCU. The Council’s mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help its institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth. Visit www.cccu.org.

The comedy short, an apocalyptic comedy in which the second-to-last man on earth tries to get a job from the last man on earth, also won Best Narrative Short at the 17th annual San Luis Obispo International Film Festival in mid-March and Atom.com Best Comedy Short at the L.A. Comedy Shorts Film Festival in early April.

Most recently, The Interview claimed two more important awards on the film festival circuit. During the first week of May, both Dallas-based USA Film Festival and Sci-Fi-London, known in full as The London International Festival of Science Fiction and Fantastic Film, announced their winning films. USA Film Festival awarded The Interview the Grand Prize for Best Fiction, qualifying The Interview to screen in front of the Academy Awards nominating committee. At Sci-Fi-London, The Interview won the Audience Award.

Steffes directed and produced The Interview with assistance from co-producer and fellow LAFSC alum Ben Bays. Several other LAFSC alumni were involved in the project. Katie Taylor did the casting, and Aaron Schuh directed photography for the film. Heidi Hazen played a supporting role in the cast. Steffes, Bays, Schuh and Hazen attended LAFSC together in the fall of 1999, and Steffes has worked closely with LAFSC colleagues on several films since completing the program.

“Katie has cast everything I’ve done in the last few years,” said Steffes. “She [has even] offered to cast my next film from Africa.” Currently, Taylor lives in South Africa where she runs the Kuyasa Film School in Cape Town.

“Aaron was director of photography and was instrumental in creating the look of the film,” Steffes added. “It was obvious how talented he was during our semester at LAFSC, and I rushed to get him for my final film at LAFSC.  He’s shot everything I’ve done since. Ben was producer and has produced everything I’ve directed since film school. He’s so amazing that I asked him to come to L.A. from Ohio for this film.”

Bays said the awards reflect the talent of the director and validate the hard work of the team. “It's certainly an honor to win the award and be a part of the project, and I hope I'm lucky enough to continue working on Michelle's films in the future,” he said.

The short film was funded by LAFSC’s L.A. Filmworks grant. The Interview is the second of two films that have received $20,000 from the fund.  Grants are awarded through a competitive process, and any alum of LAFSC is eligible to apply for a grant as long as she or he holds a writer, producer or director spot on the film. A project selected for a grant is considered an LAFSC/L.A. Filmworks production, and any festival award money goes back to the grant program.

“The Filmworks films are evolving into exactly what we had hoped—strong short films by LAFSC alumni that are competitive and have long legs in the festival circuit,” said Rebecca Ver Straten-McSparran, LAFSC director. “[The festival circuit] is one of the primary avenues for launching the careers of filmmakers. We are proud that Michelle’s artistic vision and skill, and our sense in selecting her, is being validated by top film awards.”

Acknowledging that the high production value of The Interview was due in large part to the grant, Steffes said, “I’m really proud of the look of the film, which is a result of the collaboration of many talented individuals, but we couldn’t have done it without the grant. The journey to become a feature director can be an exhausting and expensive process, and the grant made that dream more possible for me. I will always be grateful.”

Bays also appreciated the grant, noting, “It gave us the palette and toolbox we needed to tell the story correctly.”

L.A. Filmworks is an enrichment program of LAFSC. The principal purpose and business of L.A. Filmworks is to create quality cinematic art and entertainment, while providing alumni opportunities to gain professional experience. L.A. Filmworks is committed to high quality storytelling and production value that exhibit a Christian reverence for truth. 

The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities offers 12 off-campus study programs, collectively branded BestSemester®, which expand learning opportunities for students from CCCU campuses and are designated as culture-shaping or culture-crossing programs. Culture-shaping BestSemester programs are: American Studies Program (Washington, D.C.); Contemporary Music Center (Nashville); Los Angeles Film Studies Center (Los Angeles); and Washington Journalism Center (Washington, D.C.). Culture-crossing BestSemester programs are: Australia Studies Centre; China Studies Program; India Studies Program; Latin American Studies Program; Middle East Studies Program; Programmes in Oxford; and Uganda Studies Program. Visit www.bestsemester.com for program details.

The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of 184 intentionally Christ-centered institutions around the world. The 111 member campuses in North America are all fully-accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities with curricula rooted in the arts and sciences. In addition, 73 affiliate campuses from 25 countries are part of the CCCU. The Council’s mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help its institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth.

View a BestSemester interview with Michelle Steffes here. And view a Vail Film Festival interview with Steffes here.

• The Scholars’ Semester in Oxford announced new tutorial options for students, bringing total tutorial offerings to more than 300.
• Beginning this fall, the Los Angeles Film Studies Center is offering a new “Professional Acting for the Camera” elective.
• The Contemporary Music Center has relocated from Martha’s Vineyard to Nashville.
• Latin American Studies Program director Anthony Chamberlain is beginning his 21st year of service as director of LASP.
• This semester is the final semester for the Russian Studies Program, which was created in 1994.

The fall enrollment breakdown is as follows:

• American Studies Program: 32
• Australia Studies Centre: 33
• China Studies Program: 14
• Contemporary Music Center: 31
• Latin American Studies Program: 34
• Los Angeles Film Studies Center: 45
• Middle East Studies Program: 31
• Russian Studies Program: 15
• Scholars’ Semester in Oxford: 62
• Uganda Studies Program: 32
• Washington Journalism Center: 11

The regular application deadline for spring 2011 participation in BestSemester programs is October 1, 2010. Visit www.bestsemester.com for more information.

The 12 semester- or summer-long student programs offered by the CCCU are categorized as either culture-shaping programs or culture-crossing programs. Culture-shaping programs are: American Studies Program (Washington, D.C.); Contemporary Music Center (Nashville, Tenn.); Los Angeles Film Studies Center (L.A., Calif.); and Washington Journalism Center (Washington, D.C.). Included in the culture-crossing programs are: Australia Studies Centre; China Studies Program; Latin American Studies Program; Middle East Studies Program; Programmes in Oxford; Russian Studies Program; and Uganda Studies Program. All programs undergo regular site visit evaluations by the Student Academic Programs Commission (SAPC).

The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of 185 intentionally Christ-centered institutions around the world. There are now 110 member campuses in North America and all are fully-accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities with curricula rooted in the arts and sciences. In addition, 75 affiliate campuses from 24 countries are part of the CCCU. The Council’s mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help its institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth.

• American Studies Program:  46
• Australia Studies Centre: 62
• China Studies Program: 34
• Contemporary Music Center: 53
• Latin American Studies Program: 74
• Los Angeles Film Studies Center: 107
• Middle East Studies Program: 62
• Russian Studies Program: 24
• Scholars Semester in Oxford:  115
• Uganda Studies Program: 67
• Washington Journalism Center: 24

“As we conclude another semester we continue to be thankful for God’s abiding care and blessings,” says CCCU Vice President for Student Programs Ken Bussema. “Students and staff have traveled thousands of miles, engaged in hundreds of challenging conversations and encountered new friend from every corner of the globe. Once again, we are grateful and humbled when we hear returning students say ‘this semester has made me feel more alive in my heart, head and spirit than I knew was possible’ (written on an evaluation form for the Latin American Studies Program).”

The application deadline for spring 2011 programs is October 1, 2010. Visit www.bestsemester.com for more information.

The 12 semester- or summer-long student programs offered by the CCCU are categorized as either culture-shaping programs or culture-crossing programs. Culture-shaping programs are: American Studies Program (Washington, D.C.); Contemporary Music Center (Nashville, Tenn.); Los Angeles Film Studies Center (L.A., Calif.); and Washington Journalism Center (Washington, D.C.). Included in the culture-crossing programs are: Australia Studies Centre; China Studies Program; Latin American Studies Program; Middle East Studies Program; Programmes in Oxford; Russian Studies Program; and Uganda Studies Program. All programs undergo regular site visit evaluations by the Student Academic Programs Commission (SAPC).

The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of 184 intentionally Christ-centered institutions around the world. There are now 109 member campuses in North America and all are fully-accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities with curricula rooted in the arts and sciences. In addition, 75 affiliate campuses from 24 countries are part of the CCCU. The Council’s mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help its institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth.

For more about the film, please visit the Web site: www.flintcreekmovie.com.

The 12 semester- or summer-long student programs offered by the CCCU are categorized as either culture-shaping programs or culture-crossing programs. Culture-shaping programs are: American Studies Program (Washington, D.C.); Contemporary Music Center (Nashville, Tenn.); Los Angeles Film Studies Center (L.A., Calif.); and Washington Journalism Center (Washington, D.C.). Included in the culture-crossing programs are: Australia Studies Centre; China Studies Program; Latin American Studies Program; Middle East Studies Program; Programmes in Oxford; Russian Studies Program; and Uganda Studies Program. All programs undergo regular site visit evaluations by the Student Academic Programs Commission (SAPC).

The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of 184 intentionally Christ-centered institutions around the world. There are now 109 member campuses in North America and all are fully-accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities with curricula rooted in the arts and sciences. In addition, 75 affiliate campuses from 24 countries are part of the CCCU. The Council’s mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help its institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth.

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"With the redesigned site, we are able to better serve our members and serve students in helping them make an informed decision about coming to one of the BestSemester programs," said Vice President for Student Programs Ken Bussema. "We are thankful for all the hard work that went into the development of this site and welcome your feedback."

The new look and design of the homepage will allow visitors to search for programs in one of four ways:

• Program name
• Location
• Topic of interest
• Student's major

In addition, sections dedicated to parents and campuses provide key information to each audience. Visitors to specific programs will find some of the same structure as before but with a new look and functionality for categories such as: Overview, Academics, Faculty & Staff, Student Life, Admissions, and News & Updates. 

MyBestSemester is the login area for students who wish to receive more information or to start the application process. Once they have received a log-in and password, students can update their address information, request a copy of the BestSemester magazine, or return to the site to complete the application process. The application and reference systems and the campus contact portal have not changed and will continue to look and function as they did on the old Web site.

The deadlines for applying to the BestSemester programs for the 2009/2010 academic year are:

Oxford Summer Programme, March 1

Fall semester, April 1 (February 2 Early Admission)

Spring Semester, October 1 (May 1 Early Admission)

For more information, contact the Office of Student Programs at 202-546-8713 or visit www.bestsemester.com.

The 12 semester- or summer-long student programs offered by the CCCU are categorized as either culture-shaping programs or culture-crossing programs. Culture-shaping programs are: American Studies Program (Washington, D.C.); Contemporary Music Center (Martha's Vineyard, Mass.); Los Angeles Film Studies Center (L.A., Calif.); and Washington Journalism Center (Washington, D.C.). Included in the culture-crossing programs are: Australia Studies Centre; China Studies Program; Latin American Studies Program; Middle East Studies Program; Programmes in Oxford; Russian Studies Program; and Uganda Studies Program. All programs undergo regular site visit evaluations by the Student Academic Programs Commission (SAPC).

The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of 180 intentionally Christ-centered institutions around the world. There are now 110 member campuses in North America and all are fully-accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities with curricula rooted in the arts and sciences. In addition, 70 affiliate campuses from 24 countries are part of the CCCU. The Council's mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help its institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth.

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2008 Photo Contest Winners

Grand Prize - $500

"Painting Radcliffe" by Scotland Huber (Gordon College)
Scholars' Semester in Oxford, Fall 2007 & Spring 2008

3 Runners Up - $200

"Red Square Album Cover" by Daniel Chin (Westmont College)
Russian Studies Program, Fall 2007

"Ayeesh Delivery in Garbage City" by Joel Moore (George Fox University)
Middle East Studies Program, Fall 2007

"The Joy of Cooking" by Dan Veale (Cornerstone University)
Uganda Studies Program, Spring 2007

Winning photos may now be viewed at www.bestsemester.com/2008photocontestwinners. 

I created an international art gallery out of a long hallway in our church, created art groups, retreats, film groups and film retreats. After a while our church developed a reputation for having one foot firmly planted in the arts and one foot in film. I was invited to come to Reel Spirituality and the City of the Angels Film Festival. They both asked me to be on their boards right away, and I accepted. I’ve been on boards of both of those ever since.

As those ministries grew and developed, the church at that time went through a strong growth spurt.

How do you integrate your degrees in philosophy and divinity with educating young people about entertainment? How do they all connect?
The Theology and Hollywood class absolutely connects because I’m using my theological and pastoral background. I’m trying to get students to process what God is doing here in Hollywood. A lot of students are going through spiritual trauma, culture, developing their own thoughts. Many are seniors, which adds a new dimension to their outlook. The philosophical background gives the framework for all the cultural issues. I take them through that process.

Yesterday we looked at Jesus’ parables and how they use metaphor and how film should do the same. They had to come up with a metaphor for their present life, and they came up with some powerful images.

Other than teaching about film and movies, how do you stay active in the industry?  
In addition to serving on the board for Reel Spirituality and being director of the City of the Angels Film Festival, I mentor filmmakers and artists and bring them into relationship with my students. I also just know many people in the industry, and I’m in regular contact with them.

Can you think of any moments during the semester that you always look forward to?
 I love to watch the student films at the end, but every part of the semester is exciting.

What is the biggest obstacle that students typically have to overcome as they adjust to life at LAFSC?
It’s a huge culture shock, so there is spiritual processing over that. Add to that sheer exhaustion— we keep them going night and day.

How do you hope students will be changed by their LAFSC experience?  
Improved quality of film making is number one. I’d also want their call to Hollywood to be confirmed or clarified as they process their own authentic relationship with God. I hope they have a broadened understanding of how God is moving in Hollywood, and a humility regarding what they have to learn from this culture.

What kind of student would you consider to be a perfect candidate for this program?
Someone who is very bright and creative, with a passion for film, as well as an understanding of metaphor and symbol.  I look for students with a depth of spirituality, critical understanding of culture, and a willingness to engage culture. Students who are eager, willing to ask questions of God, culture, everything, and yet have a deep abiding faith within a philosophical framework do very well in our program and in Hollywood.

Jerry Herbert is on the board and affiliated with the Center for Public Justice and usually teaches a seminar with them during their summer Civitas Leadership Program. He's also linked with the Mustard Seed Foundation and teaches a one week seminar called the Harvey Fellows Program (www.msfdn.org).  Also as a longtime member and elder at the Washington Community Fellowship church, he helped launch The Capitol Hill Crisis Pregnancy Center, just a few blocks away from the ASP campus. These are just a few examples of how Herbert puts his faith into action in his community, which is also the goal for students of the American Studies Program.

Kimberly Spragg, Australia Studies Centre at Wesley Institute, Drummoyne, Australia

Having grown up in Ecuador as an MK, and having studied abroad in college, Kimberly Spragg developed a passion to see God work among students. After a stint working at Harvard University, she served as the off-campus study coordinator at Taylor University in Upland, Ind. She moved to the CCCU, working her way up to Student Programs Director. In 2005, she took over the ASC program, and has since been pushing students to process their world, their art form and their individual roles as global citizens in the light of their Christianity.

Jay Lundelius, China Studies Program, Xiamen, China
Dr. Jay Lundelius brought eleven years of experience living, working and studying in different parts of Asia when he took over as Director of the China Studies Program in fall 1999.  His avid interest in China was shaped through teaching in Canton from 1984-86, as well as his marriage to a citizen of mainland China. Dr. Lundelius has an M.A. in ESL and a Ph.D. in Second Language Acquisition. His experience in linguistics and cross-cultural communication continued during his years as a professor for three years in Japan, and then for five years in Hong Kong.  He applies his knowledge by teaching students in the China Studies Program about the parallels in learning a language and learning a culture.  Since Dr. Lundelius and his family have lived in three distinctly different Asian cultures, he is able to highlight similarities and differences among Asian cultures with his students at CSP. He has been published in the Yale Asia-Pacific Review, The Business Communication Quarterly, and The Journal of the Chinese Language Teachers Association.

Warren Pettit and Tom Willet, Contemporary Music Center, Martha's Vineyard, Mass.

Pettit created a music industry program that fostered the development of the band Jars of Clay. Scratch Track is another nationally recognized touring band that calls the Contemporary Music Center home. Willett brings a wealth of music industry experience to the program, having served as musician, agent, manager, executive producer, marketing executive and label head for more than 20 years. 

Anthony Chamberlain, Latin American Studies Program, San Jose, Costa Rica.

Chamberlain and Ken Bussema, CCCU vice president for students programs, attended the IAPCHE International Conference in Granada, Nicaragua, Nov. 14-19, 2006, and together presented a poster presentation focused on ways to facilitate cross-cultural learning. IAPCHE is the International Association for the Promotion of Christian Higher Education.

Rebecca Ver Straten-McSparran, Los Angeles Film Studies Center, L.A., Calif.

Ver Straten-McSparran recently contributed a chapter to a book about film and theology being published by Baker Books. She has become a major sponsor and leader for the City of Angels Film Festival, a retrospective film festival which takes place each year at the Director's Guild of America. Ver Straten-McSparran is now the director of the festival after six years of serving on its executive committee. She is on the board of Reel Spirituality and was recently on the revision team for the second edition of the book of the same name.  Ver Straten-McSparran was elected to and is co-chair of the Arts and Recreation Committee of the Mid City WEST Council.

David Holt, Middle East Studies Program, Cairo Egypt.

Holt endeavors to build relationships between MESP Students and young people throughout the Middle East-Muslim, Christian, and Jewish. Meetings with local experts, political and religious leaders, diplomats, and plain folks on the street all contribute to an engaging atmosphere of public diplomacy at a more personal level. In the midst of a region in crisis, the MESP program seeks to foster mutual understanding and respect by being a listening presence among the program's mainly Muslim neighbors and friends.

Stan Rosenberg, Programmes in Oxford, England.

Rosenberg has been made a faculty member of Wycliffe Hall and Oxford University's Theology Faculty.  (Wycliffe Hall is one of the 46 colleges and halls of Oxford University.)  This status also makes him a member of Congregation, Oxford University's highest decision-making body which consists of about 3,500 of the most senior academic, museum, library and administrative members of the university. Congregation approves all major policies related to the university. During Rosenberg's sabbatical last spring, he researched and wrote and should soon be published in a few scholarly journals. His area of interest is St. Augustine.

Harley Wagler, Russian Studies Program, Nizhni Novgorod, Russia.

Wagler has given advice to different political leaders throughout Russia and other former-Soviet countries. He regularly presents papers at the International Pushkin festival and he's considered an expert on Pushkin by Russians and others.  "Harley's so culturally adept, even Russians sometimes forget he's not a Russian," says Amber Palmer, assistant director of student programs.

Mark Bartels, Uganda Studies Program, Mukono, Uganda

Bartels completed his bachelors and masters degrees at Wheaton College (IL) in five years. Prior to becoming director of the Uganda Studies Program, he was a high school teacher in Sylmar, Calif., and worked at Honey Rock Camp in Three Lakes, Wis. During his time at Honey Rock, he: developed and implemented curriculum for extended wilderness trips for high school, college and graduate students; designed and coordinated group retreats; and studied and researched camp management and administration. At USP, he developed and taught the seminar course, ‘Faith & Action in the Ugandan Context'; coordinated core and elective courses; and facilitates educational travel and other experiential education.

Terry Mattingly, Washington Journalism Center, Washington, D.C.

Mattingly's weekly column for the Scripps Howard News Service, "On Religion" has just been expanded to reach approximately 900 daily newspapers across the U.S. Other duties of this program director and working journalist include directing the GetReligion.org project on religion and the news as well as writing occasional columns for the ethics and diversity program at the Poynter Journalism Institute. He is the author of the book Pop Goes Religion: Faith in Popular Culture.

The 12 semester- or summer-long student programs offered by the CCCU are categorized as either culture-shaping programs or culture-crossing programs. Culture-shaping programs are: American Studies Program (Washington, D.C.); Contemporary Music Center (Martha's Vineyard, Mass.); Los Angeles Film Studies Center (L.A., Calif.); and Washington Journalism Center (Washington, D.C.). Included in the culture-crossing programs are: Australia Studies Centre; China Studies Program; Latin American Studies Program; Middle East Studies Program; Programmes in Oxford; Russian Studies Program; and Uganda Studies Program. All programs undergo regular site visit evaluations by the Student Academic Programs Commission (SAPC).

The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of 180 intentionally Christ-centered institutions around the world. There are now 105 member campuses in North America and all are fully-accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities with curricula rooted in the arts and sciences. In addition, 75 affiliate campuses from 24 countries are part of the CCCU. The Council's mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help its institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth.