| Unit name | Documentary Histories and Practices |
|---|---|
| Unit code | FATV20009 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Piccini |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
FATV10002 Close-up on Film or FATV10001 Filmmaking Fundamentals |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Film and Television |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
The unit will consider key moments and texts in the history of documentary film and television production, and explore the ethical, social and aesthetic questions they raise. Specifically, the unit will explore the problems of history, actuality, indexicality and evidence that documentary poses makers and audiences. The unit will focus on considering modes, styles and contexts for documentary making, leading to the production of a documentary work.
The unit aims to:
The unit is Open, by approval of unit convenor (based on evidence of appropriate practical skills).
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
(1) demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of histories of documentary film, television and interactive media;
(2) engage in a detailed and informed fashion with the theoretical contexts of documentary forms and practices;
(3) analyse and evaluate competing perceptions of documentary film, television and interactive media;
(4) work constructively and creatively in a group-based workshop and engage in peer critique;
(5) work independently and reach individual/personal judgements within a collaborative context;
(6) work within the disciplines of production and project processes, working to deadlines and within production budgets;
(7) articulate an understanding of the aesthetics of a project as a whole and translate this into practice.
Weekly 2-hour seminar/workshop + weekly 3-hour screening/workshop, production tutorials (within workshop sessions) and practical work (both independent and partially supervised).
4-8 minute documentary film or related documentary work (50%) ILO 1, 4-7
2500 word reflexive account of practical work (50%) ILO 1-3, 6-7
Films can be made either individually or in groups, at the unit convenor’s discretion and within a defined range (i.e. individual projects and small groups, or larger groups and no individual projects). The required length of the film will vary, depending on the number of students involved and the specific nature of the project. Films made in groups will be awarded a single grade.
