FV2S52 - Theory 3: Documentary Film History and Theory 29 Jun 2021 - 31 Aug 2026 | Version 2
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | FV2S52 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Theory 3: Documentary Film History and Theory | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Business and Creative Industries | ||
| Faculty Group: | Film and TV | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Film and TV | ||
| Module Leader: | Deirdre Russell | ||
| Module Team: | Gwyneth Moore, Daryl Perrins, Joseph Sudlow | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2020 | Final Year of Intake: | 2025 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 20 | Credit Level: | 5 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100058 - film studies | ||
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 100 | ||
Document Version Information
| Version | 2 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 29 Jun 2021 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2026 |
Module Aims
• Foster an appreciation of the diverse forms and functions of documentary film.
• Develop knowledge of the key movements and trends in documentary films history.
• Develop understanding of key concepts and contentions within documentary history.
• Develop research, communication and argumentation skills.
Content Summary
‘Documentary’, a term whose definitions are subject to perennial debate, refers to a vast and constantly evolving range of filmmaking practices. Their functions in informing (or misinforming) us about the world are also subject to important debates.
Documentary film is also characterised by the close relationship between practice and criticism (with some documentary filmmakers also constituting the form’s key theorists), and it raises several crucial issues regarding film’s ability to record or construct ‘reality’.
This module broaches the historical development and diverse ‘modes’ of documentary film, assessing some of its key forms and functions. While doing so, it also introduces important theoretical concepts and contentions, from documentary’s complex relationship with fiction film and its aesthetic dimensions to its social purposes and ethical demands.
The module involves screenings and discussions of significant documentaries illustrating key movements, trends and issues, from observational Direct Cinema to contemporary animated and interactive documentary.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 24 |
| Seminar | 12 |
| Independent Study | 100 |
| Directed Study | 64 |
| Total Hours Selected | 200 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Distinguish key trends and concepts in documentary film history and theory. |
| LO2 | Assemble material from a variety of sources to make an argument. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Project Output 1 | A written or videographic essay that makes an original argument about one area of documentary history and/or theory. | 10 | 2700 | 70 | No | 40 |
| Asynchronous Assessment | Critique 1 | Application of a theoretical text in an analysis of a documentary film. | 0 | 1000 | 30 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Project Output 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Critique 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |