CMST 3550 Documentary in the Digital Age

4 semester hours

This class outlines the evolution of the practices, technologies, and ethics of visual documentation as a means to understand how documentary filmmaking is being changed in and through digital media. The class will move historically through the development of documentary media beginning with early ethnographic films and documentaries. At each point in this history we will reflect on technological, social, and political shifts in filmmaking. Students will be expected to conceive of and execute a short documentary film project in small groups and will be asked to reflect on how their film engages with the theoretical topics discussed in this course. Training on the basics of filmmaking will be provided in class, though students will also be expected to master these skills through practice outside of class.

Must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or higher.

Junior or senior standing required.

Majors only.

Prerequisites: CMST 1600 , CMST 1700 , CMST 2500 , and CMST 2800 .