Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2019 - CMNS 322 E100

Documentary Media (4)

Class Number: 3142

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Mon, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    60 units including CMNS 220; or FPA 135, 136 or 137.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to the history and theory of documentary film, focusing on a range of examples from the 1920's to the present. Explores the shifting definition of documentary and realism. Students with credit for CMNS 386 with the topic "Problems in Documentary" may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Overview:  

In recent years, documentary media have become ubiquitous.  At their best, these productions are essential aspects of democratic communication that also persist as aesthetic texts.  While many films prioritize content over form, others make viewers conscious not only about the constructed nature of stories about reality, but even of reality itself.  As both a mainstay of the media, and a developing art form in its own right, documentary has become one of the most important – and often controversial-forms of media in modern society.  In this course, students will be introduced to the history and theory of documentary film, focusing on a range of examples from the 1920s to the present.  We will explore the shifting definitions of documentary and realism through subjects such as: documentary activism, propaganda and education, observational cinema, archival footage and fair use, mockumentary and docu-fictions, autobiographical documentary, animated and musical documentary, and database documentary.  By the end of the course, students will have developed historical and theoretical perspectives on problems encountered by documentary filmmakers and will have considered the all-important ethical issues surrounding the representation of the real world.

The four-hour class period will be divided into lectures, discussions and screenings. Readings, screenings, tutorials and lectures are complementary aspects of the course. Students are expected to do the readings each week in advance of the class and come to tutorial prepared to participate.  

Grading

  • Short Paper 20%
  • Term Paper Proposal 10%
  • Term Paper 30%
  • Final Exam (Take-Home) during Exam period 30%
  • Tutorial Attendance and Participation 10%

NOTES:

The school expects that the grades awarded in this course will bear some reasonable relation to established university-wide practices with respect to both levels and distribution of grades.  In addition, the School will follow Policy S10.01 with respect to Academic Integrity, and Policies S10.02, S10.03 and S10.04 as regards Student Discipline.  [Note: as of May 1, 2009 the previous T10 series of policies covering Intellectual Honesty (T10.02), and Academic Discipline (T10.03) have been replaced with the new S10 series of policies.]

REQUIREMENTS:

A minimum CGPA of 2.25, and approval as a communication student is required for entry into most communication upper division courses.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All course readings will be made available through the course website.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS