Documentary Film and Documentary Practice
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MLAC3021 | Media, Languages and Cultures | 3 | 10 | Autumn Malaysia |
- Code
- MLAC3021
- School
- Media, Languages and Cultures
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn Malaysia
Summary
Summary of Content: This module is designed to introduce students to the field of documentary film its use in ethnography. Students will be introduced to the theoretical issues of representation and eth that distinguish the documentary film from other forms of cinema. By watching significant films and b introduced to major figures and filmmakers within this history, students will attain an appreciation of h documentary has developed and the kinds of themes, issues, and politics that films and filmmakers h engaged with. During the course of the module, students will study how film has been used in the fie ethnography and anthropology to document people, their cultures and customs before considering m contemporary themes and developments. The module will include a practical component and will involve students applying the theory that they learned to their own on-going documentary project. Students will be introduced to DSLR filmmaking the use of editing, sound, composition, interviewing, framing and storytelling.
Target Students
This module is primarily for SMLC students enrolled in the FTV pathway. Other students with prior production coursework orpractical experience may be considered, space permitting. They may write to the instructor directly.
Classes
- One 2-hour practicum each week for 11 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 11 weeks
Assessment
- 40% Practical: Five (5) minute documentary film about an individual or personality
- 60% Assignment
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
To explore and define the field of documentary film and its key theoretical frameworks and its use in the field of ethnography;To deploy such theory to explore and critically analyse a range of documentary film texts;To equip students with the means to critically analyse documentary film in terms of the politics of representation, ethics and truth claims.Learning Outcomes
A Knowledge and Understanding: On completion of the module students should be able to:
- Understand different critical approaches to documentary film;
- Analyse the issues of context, narrative, framing, and representation that shape the documentary as a factual media form.
B Intellectual Skills:
On completion of the module students should be able to:
- Recognise and understand different styles of representation in documentary film and understand the implications of each;
- Apply theoretical concepts about documentary to specific media texts;
- Construct coherent and independent arguments.
C Professional Skills:
The module will develop students' ability to:
- Write accurately and grammatically and present written material using appropriate conventions;
- Synthesise information from a variety of primary and secondary materials;
- Develop and apply critical models for evaluation of documentary films.
Conveners
- Dr Sandeep Ray