About the Course
Instructor:
Nancy Tong
Class time and location:
Lecture: Tuesday 1030 – 1230
Knowles Building, Room 807
Tutorials:
Session A: Thursday 1500 – 1555
Eliot Hall, Room 101
Session B: Thursday 1030 – 1130
Eliot Hall, Room G 07, SWY Reading Room
Course objectives:
This course is designed to serve as an introduction to the documentary form of journalistic and artistic expression. Through these classes, students will build skills in critical analysis and assume a multi-disciplinary approach in the study of documentary films. The course will analyze content, style, and methodology in documentary film making. In part, the lectures will take an historical approach. The course will examine how documentaries reflect societies and have impact on them.
- identify and discuss the history and styles of documentary films from pre-cinematic era to present
- classify and analyze the form and style of documentary films according to categories outlined in class
- distinguish the different styles of eminent documentary film filmmakers
- assess the impact of new technologies on documentary form and content
- evaluate the role and the relevance of documentary films in the social history and development of the United States, China, and other nations
- be familiar with the process through which factual films are made
- analyze the interplay between fact and fiction in all media
At the course conclusion students should have the following learning outcomes:
Structure:
The course will consist of a two-hour lecture which will include documentary film screenings, either in excerpt or entirety. Students will be given reading material to be discussed during the tutorial.
Tutorials will follow the lectures for in-depth discussions on issues relating to the lecture and screening. All students will be graded according to their active participation in discussions and their understanding of the reading material.
