154224

Documentary (Non-Fiction) Film

A study of the genre of documentary (non-fiction) film. The course will provide students with a critical awareness of the theory, history and various forms relevant to the genre. Students will plan and produce short documentary films. NOTE: Students require access to their own video camera and editing facilities.

Course code

Qualifications are made up of courses. Some universities call these papers. Each course is numbered using six digits.

154224

Level

The fourth number of the course code shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).

200-level

Credits

Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.

15

Subject

Media Studies

Course planning information

Course notes

For internal (on-campus) students, digital media equipment will be provided. For students studying via distance, access to a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a tripod, and a microphone is highly recommended for the duration of the course. Use of a smartphone to produce photography and video is also acceptable. Access to a tripod and microphone remain highly recommended for smartphone users.

General progression requirements

You must complete at least 45 credits from 100-level before enrolling in 200-level courses.

Learning outcomes

What you will learn. Knowledge, skills and attitudes you’ll be able to show as a result of successfully finishing this course.

  • 1 Demonstrate knowledge of the history and theories associated with non-fiction film.
  • 2 Discuss the variety of approaches, styles and formats associated with and relevant to documentary film.
  • 3 Carry out introductory-level documentary research, writing, planning and production.
  • 4 Explain and discuss the ideological, political, ethical and aesthetic implications of their production decisions.

Learning outcomes can change before the start of the semester you are studying the course in.

Assessments

Assessment Learning outcomes assessed Weighting
Written Assignment 20%
Creative compositions 25%
Oral/Performance/Presentation 15%
Creative compositions 40%

Assessment weightings can change up to the start of the semester the course is delivered in.

You may need to take more assessments depending on where, how, and when you choose to take this course.

Explanation of assessment types

Computer programmes
Computer animation and screening, design, programming, models and other computer work.
Creative compositions
Animations, films, models, textiles, websites, and other compositions.
Exam College or GRS-based (not centrally scheduled)
An exam scheduled by a college or the Graduate Research School (GRS). The exam could be online, oral, field, practical skills, written exams or another format.
Exam (centrally scheduled)
An exam scheduled by Assessment Services (centrally) – you’ll usually be told when and where the exam is through the student portal.
Oral or performance or presentation
Debates, demonstrations, exhibitions, interviews, oral proposals, role play, speech and other performances or presentations.
Participation
You may be assessed on your participation in activities such as online fora, laboratories, debates, tutorials, exercises, seminars, and so on.
Portfolio
Creative, learning, online, narrative, photographic, written, and other portfolios.
Practical or placement
Field trips, field work, placements, seminars, workshops, voluntary work, and other activities.
Simulation
Technology-based or experience-based simulations.
Test
Laboratory, online, multi-choice, short answer, spoken, and other tests – arranged by the school.
Written assignment
Essays, group or individual projects, proposals, reports, reviews, writing exercises, and other written assignments.

Textbooks needed

There are no set texts for this course.