1.    Course Description

The course is designed to help students implement the tools studied in the FMS film language class with the awareness of documentary forms in the FMS367 class as they create practical exercises that are basic for developing skills in documentary filmmaking. Two types of exercises are undertaken: the demonstration of a process (workflow) and the portrait of a person. Classes are structured so as to help students understand, prepare, and execute the projects; then analyze the results achieved. Depending on the size of the class, projects may be/must be done in pairs. Students should have editing software (iMovie or Adobe Premiere) on their personal computers. If done in pairs, it is enough for one member to have the software. 

2.    Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students should be able:
●    To understand the components of a clear demonstration/workflow process

●    To use the tools of film language to capture a workflow on film

●    To improve in areas of representing reality in a visually appealing way

●    To understand components of a portrait documentary

●    To use the tools of film language and narrative to create a portrait of a person on film

●    To improve in areas of presenting a portrait in ways which are visually appealing and sustain interest in an audience.
●    To gain awareness of positive, collaborative roles in developing film projects; practice tools for communication, 
●    To exercise listening skills and critical faculties in evaluating films

3.    Reading Material
Required Materials
●    Nichols, Bill. Introduction to Documentary. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2001
●    Course material is available digitally, on NEO, with selected chapters from the Nichols book and the books named below.

Recommended Materials
●    Bernard, Sheila Curran. Documentary Storytelling. Taylor & Francis, 2016.
●    Bricca, Jacob. Documentary Editing, Routledge, 2018.
●    Bruce Block: The Visual Story, Routledge, 2001.

4. Teaching methodology: In-class Lecture and field work, Screenings and analysis of exercises in discussion format, guest lectures.
 

*Course content subject to change