California State Polytechnic University, Pomona FutureWatch Collection, 1998-2000
Collection context
Summary
- Creators:
- Harvey Mudd College and MediaVision
- Abstract:
- The collection contains video recordings of FutureWatch episodes, which was produced collaboratively between Harvey Mudd College and MediaVision, an audiovisual production unit at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
- Extent:
- 13.70 Linear Feet (11 boxes consisting of 70 U-matic videocassettes, 67 Videocassettes, and 37 Betacam videocassettes for a total of 174 items)
- Language:
- English .
- Preferred citation:
-
California State Polytechnic University Pomona FutureWatch Collection, Collection no. 0072, University Archives, Special Collections and Archives, University Library, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Background
- Scope and content:
-
FutureWatch was a publicly broadcast program that explored topics in contemporary science. The show was distributed on radio, cable TV, and the Internet and was produced collaboratively between Harvey Mudd College and MediaVision, an audiovisual production unit at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Through expert interviews, FutureWatch captures a comprehensive view of scientific progress and its implications for the future. The hosts of FutureWatch include Leslie Baer-Brown and Joseph Wakelee-Lynch, who led discussions and interviews with experts on a variety of topics. The series also features regular commentators such as Randy Ringen, Patricia Florez, and Saul Landau, each contributing segments to an episode that provide scientific insights and social commentary on a particular topic.
FutureWatch episodes delve into environmental challenges, such as global warming, rainforest destruction, endangered species conservation, and urban wetlands preservation. Other topics include space exploration, focusing on Mars missions, lunar research, and the search for extraterrestrial life, alongside technological breakthroughs like cybersecurity, digital media, robotics, and virtual reality.
The series also examines medical advancements, discussing genetic engineering, stem cell research, cancer treatments, and antibiotic resistance, while addressing ethical considerations in biotechnology and cloning. Additional episodes examine cultural and societal themes, including the intersection of technology with religion and cultural traditions, as well as the effects of population growth and urban sprawl.
- Biographical / historical:
-
FutureWatch was a publicly-broadcast program started in the 1990s that explored topics in contemporary science; the show was produced collaboratively between Harvey Mudd College and MediaVision, an audiovisual production unit at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
- Acquisition information:
- The materials were transferred from MediaVision in 2021.
- Processing information:
-
The processing of this collection and the creation of this finding aid was funded under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. California's LSTA program is administered by the California State Library.
This collection was initially processed by Dieter Mackenbach, Rob Strauss and Iman Mirza in June 2022. Further processing was conducted by Rob Strauss, David Castro, and Stacy Marine in 2024.
- Arrangement:
-
The collection is organized by episode number.
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
Advance notice is required for access. Please note that some audiovisual materials in this collection are currently inaccessible due to the lack of playback equipment. Users interested in viewing these materials may request digitization or reformatting; however, this process may require additional time and resources.
- Terms of access:
-
Copyright restrictions may apply.
- Preferred citation:
-
California State Polytechnic University Pomona FutureWatch Collection, Collection no. 0072, University Archives, Special Collections and Archives, University Library, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
- Location of this collection:
-
3801 West Temple Ave.Pomona, CA 91768, US
- Contact:
- (909) 869-3775