FS 342M - The Documentary Film

This course provides an introduction to the history and theory of documentary film by tracing the concepts of “reality” since the origin of the genre to the present. Students examine the nature and function of documentary film from the beginning of the movies in 1895 up to the present through an analysis of diverse films, filmmakers, and theoretical approaches. Doing so will enable students to problematize notions of objectivity, truth, and knowledge and to place the films within historical, cultural, and political contexts. While the focus will be primarily on American documentary films, students will also consider the global contexts of documentary by screening films from Europe, Canada, India, and/or additional countries. Finally, students will look at the digital era in terms of how documentary films respond to the current social, cultural and historical moments in which we live. Letter grade. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits