COMM 2052 Documentary: Factual Screen Media

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 102830

Coordinator Maryella Hatfield Opens in new window

Description Documentary is an evolving area that continues to flux and change. Due to developments in media distribution, technological change and convergence, audiences are increasingly engaging with factual content in new and innovative ways. This unit explores both conceptual and production approaches to documentary in various forms. Students are introduced to key documentary histories and modes and examine a range of traditional and evolving practices including animated, online interactive and transmedia documentary outcomes. Students produce a short documentary project and in doing so develop professional skills and approaches to production roles as well as ethical relationships and responsibilities with participants and topics.

School Humanities & Comm Arts

Discipline Audio Visual Studies

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Pre-requisite(s) COMM 1015 OR
COMM 1039

Co-requisite(s) COMM 1037

Equivalent Subjects COMM 2041 - Video Camera and Image Formation COMM 2013 - Documentary Media

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  1. Discuss the development of documentary histories, forms, concepts and production techniques.
  2. Articulate a range of ways in which evolving forms and directions in documentary production influence current documentary media.
  3. Research and write a documentary proposal.
  4. Discuss the ways ethical issues related to documentary subjects and topics are reflected in documentary production.
  5. Develop and produce a short documentary project.
  6. Integrate theoretical and practical knowledge in the reflective analysis of content creation and production roles.

Subject Content

Documentary histories and concepts
Evolving documentary forms (animated, online interactive, transmedia)
Documentary research and proposal writing skills
Documentary practice (preproduction to postproduction)
Ethical considerations and responsibilities involved with working with subjects and topics
Reflective practice

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Item Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Quiz 5 multiple choice quizzes (10 questions per quiz) 10 N Individual
Proposal 2,000 words or equivalent 35 N Individual
Applied Project Up to 10 minutes 30 N Group
Reflection 1,500 words or equivalent 25 N Individual

Teaching Periods

Autumn

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

Day

Subject Contact Maryella Hatfield Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Structures that include subject