Documentary Film and Media

Historical development of documentary from dawn of cinema to present trans-media environment; important movements and methods of documentary practice; a range of theoretical and critical perspectives upon contemporary documentary. This course will address the history and theory of documentary practice, with specific attention to movements and filmmakers. The focus on documentary movements will encourage students to reflect on the socio-cultural and institutional contexts and philosophies that inform the range of documentary methods. The focus on individual filmmakers will address applied methodology, including the aesthetics and ethics of documentary practice. Readings will draw from film and media historians and theorists, but also from the writings of documentary practitioners. Weekly screenings for the class will attempt to present the broad range and variation of documentary practices, historical periods and topics.