Documentary and Reality

Code

INCM3047

School

School of International Communications

Level

3

Credits

20

Semesters

Autumn China

Summary

This module aims to introduce students to the history of documentary and non-fiction film and media. There will be a particular emphasis on the turn of the 21st Century with the rise of popular mainstream documentary films, consistent with narrative and aesthetic features of fiction feature films. Yet, contemporary shifts in approaches to documentary are not unique to film. In light of digital streaming devices, television has rapidly emerged as a home to the “cinematic” documentary format; though, offering greater screen time compared to non-fiction feature films. Historical shifts in documentary practices will be largely theoretically examined under the lens of the filmmaker/s, raising questions around ethics, truth and the representation of reality. Students will be encouraged to make intellectual connections between the filmmaker/s choices and the impact they can have on the story, participant and viewer, thus providing space to interrogate how, or if, this can be balanced when competing interests arise.

Please note: This module is assessed at the end of Autumn semester.  First sit/ Re-sit exams are scheduled normally in the summer and can take the same form as the missing/ failed component of the assessment (exam, essay etc.) or other form, as decided by the School.

Target Students

BA students in International Communications and related programmes at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China There is a limited number of places on this module. Students are reminded that enrolments which are not agreed by the Offering School in advance may be cancelled without notice.

Classes

• One 2-hour workshop each week for 10 weeks
• One 1-hour seminar each week for 10 weeks
• One 3-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks

Assessment

• 100% Project 1: Equivalent 2,000 words + 1,500 words

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate:Knowledge and Understanding • Al the place and roles of film and television in everyday life both as industry and as cultural practice • A2 the political, economic and cultural contexts from which cinema and broadcast productions and institutional practices have emerged • A3 the role of technology in shaping the development of practices in film and television production, distribution and consumption • A4 the historical development of film and television as cultural and industrial practices • A6 the wide range of film and television aesthetics, the way their judgement is constructed and their processes experienced Intellectual Skills • B1 reason critically and independently • B2 apply theoretical approaches to specific case studies • B4 organise and present relevant research material • B6 be reflective about the strengths and weaknesses of their own work and the learning process • D6 reflect upon and assess own progress, identify strengths and weaknesses, and act to rectify possible problems Professional/Practical Skills • C1 identify, plan and undertake research involving the gathering and selection of relevant material from a variety of sources • C2 manage time and resources effectively by drawing on planning and organisational skills • C3 produce work that is informed by, and contextualised within relevant theoretical concepts and debates • C4 employ relevant technical and analytical vocabularies in writing and talking cogently about film and television • C5 carry out various forms of research involving substantial independent enquiry • C6 identify and explore new or emerging areas in the study of film and television Transferable/Key Skills • D1 plan and carry out work in an independent, self-reliant manner • D2 put to use a range of relevant IT skills, such as word processing and using the Internet as a resource for research • D3 communicate effectively verbally, and in written form • D5 manage time and work to deadlines

Conveners

• Dr Levi Dean