FILM 355 - History of Documentary (Put on reserve 9/16/19)

Description:
Survey of documentary history from 1895 to present. Focus on philosophy of documentary approach, overview of the most important topics and issues, and development of critical standards in the genre. FILM 355 and ENG 355 are cross-listed courses; students may not receive credit for both. Formerly COM 355; students may not receive credit for both. Course will not have an established scheduling pattern. (Put on reserve 9/16/19, will go inactive 8/24/22)

Prerequisites:
Prerequisites: either COM 201 or FILM 250.

Credits: (4)

Learner Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Trace the development of documentary from its origins in primitive cinema through its changes and applications in reaction to domestic and world events and to technological developments.
Develop a critical approach for examining the historical evolution of the documentary genre
Ability to juxtapose the historical development of documentary film/video, technology and/or content/subject matter with the social context of production.
Demonstrate knowledge of how the chronological development of documentary as a genre and a mode of expression has become a part of societal commentary and how documentary has shaped our sense of ourselves and the “other.”
Identify and address questions germane to the field, including the distinction between fiction and nonfiction, the creation of truth and truths and the power relationships between documentarians and their subjects.
Identify and address questions germane to the field, including the formal components used in (re)constructing reality, and documentary’s overall impact on history and culture.

Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
12/15/05

Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations: