Inspired by the filming of Taylor Sheridan’s hit TV show “Landman” on campus, TCU introduced a new eight-week seminar course designed to debunk Hollywood portrayals of landmen and provide students with an accurate understanding of the career path.
TCU gained public attention when the university was featured in “Landman.” Ainsley Norris, played by actress Michelle Randolph, attends TCU in Season 2 of the show. TCU students were given the opportunity to be extras in the filming across campus.
In the show, the career path of a landman is dramatized for audience appeal. The landmen in the show become involved with the cartel and have a strong presence in the field; however, a true landman typically works in an office setting.
A landman interacts and negotiates with landowners who are looking to lease minerals and other energy sources for development and exploration.
Tom Seng, an assistant professor of professional practice and energy finance in the Neeley School of Business, said he was approached several years ago by nearby oil and gas companies seeking TCU student interns. He said he turned them away because the university did not offer a relevant course at the time.
The show’s rise in popularity and direct connection to students sparked an idea to create a course that evaluates the reality of working as a landman.
Billy Bob Thornton stars as Tommy Norris in “Land Man” (Photo Credit: James Minchin/Paramount+)
“The series came out with the title ‘Landman’ and involved TCU,” Seng said. “Add to that the fact that Taylor Sheridan went to Paschal High School, literally up the street from the campus. The professional organization for Landmen, the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL), is also headquartered in Fort Worth.”
For Seng, creating the course Special Problems in Business – Land Management & Administration seemed like the next step.
In the fall, Seng surveyed students minoring in energy business to gauge interest in the seminar. He received 12 responses, which were enough to propose the eight-week course.
While many people outside the university have expressed interest in auditing the course, the first offering was limited to undergraduate students only, Seng said.
“My brother is a landman, and I am interested in going into oil and gas law,” said Olivia Loffland, a senior history major. “Professor Seng mentioned this class would work well for me, and he was right. It has been incredibly helpful so far.”
Seng said the main purpose of this course is to teach students that land management is a real career path in energy. By bringing in guest speakers and utilizing Zoom, students are made aware of what landmen actually do: put together deals, buy and sell properties and verify ownership of the minerals companies are leasing.
Students in the course participate in a Zoom discussion on mineral leases with a guest speaker Tuesday, Feb. 10. (Laney Davis)
While the TV series does play a role in the course, Seng is using material that actual landmen would study to ensure students have an accurate learning experience for the profession.
“There is very little content in the series that relates to the actual day-to-day functions of a landman,” Seng said. “We are using AAPL’s exam prep guide for landmen seeking certification as Registered Professional Landmen or Certified Professional Landmen.”
Seng has used this semester to test long-term interest in the profession. As the course has progressed, it has gained public attention and more student interest across majors.
“Just as exciting as the TV series, isn’t it?” Seng said with a smile during the seminar on Tuesday Feb. 10.