Introduction to Documentaries
Subject Overview
Students will discover the basics in documentary history, and how to define the various modes of documentary that exist, as well as the difference between narrative fiction and documentaries. They will view a number of different documentaries, both feature length and short, to explore filmmakers’ techniques and recognise different conventions found within the differing modes of documentary. For example, a cinema-verite film, like ‘High School’, versus a performative Michael Moore film like ‘Bowling for Columbine.’
Learning Outcomes
- Recall and explain in detail the conventions of at least two modes of documentary.
- Present a short speech on the conventions of one documentary mode with reference to a specific documentary example.
- Identify and explain at least two differences between documentary and narrative fiction
- Present a feasible idea for a documentary developed through research, accompanied by a 100 word exposé.
Prerequisite
The prerequisite subject is:
- Film History Fundamentals