Introduction to Documentary Film

(4 Credits)

This course will present an introduction to the history and stylistic range of the documentary film genre with a focus on film language, techniques, aesthetics, structure and other elements of visual non-fiction storytelling. Through the study of selected films, readings, lectures and discussions, we will gain a foundational knowledge of various stances filmmakers take in relation to their subjects and stories. We will also analyze the constructed nature of documentaries, and the problematic notions of representing "truth" and "unbiased" representations.