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Unit of study_

CAEL5052: The Art of Documentary

2024 unit information

This unit immerses students in the theoretical, ethical and creative elements of nonfiction filmmaking. Exploring the evolution of documentary, from early newsreels and Cinema Verite to mockumentary, docu-drama and fact/fiction hybrids, this elective reveals the key techniques needed to take a documentary concept from page to screen. Through screenings, lectures and workshops, students learn how to research, script, shoot, edit, pitch and distribute a nonfiction film, and how to interview and direct non-actors: gaining an advanced conceptual and practical understanding of this timely and constantly evolving form.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Sydney College of the Arts

Code CAEL5052
Academic unit Sydney College of the Arts
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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None
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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None
Assumed knowledge:
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None

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. LO1 Conceptualise, plan and complete an industry-standard moving image based non-fiction project that engages with the contemporary media environment
  • LO2. LO2 Critically analyse and problem solve through the documentary production process
  • LO3. LO3 Use a range of creative and technical production skills, strategies and tools to create non-fiction screen-based works
  • LO4. LO4 Critically understand a range of approaches to documentary practice and engage with related cultural and theoretical debates
  • LO5. LO5 Use appropriate media and technologies to effectively gather information
  • LO6. LO6 Critically evaluate information, aesthetics and narratives in an ethically and culturally sensitive manner

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2024
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Remote
Semester 2 2022
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2022
Normal day Remote
Semester 2 2023
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Modes of attendance (MoA)

This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.