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Unit of study_

CAEL5052: The Art of Documentary

Semester 1, 2021 [Normal day] - Remote

The Art of Documentary 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

Unit code CAEL5052
Academic unit Sydney College of the Arts
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Anna Broinowski, anna.broinowski@sydney.edu.au
Demonstrator(s) Virginia Hilyard, virginia.hilyard@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Anna Broinowski, anna.broinowski@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Documentary
3-5 min. interview-based documentary + production statement
60% Formal exam period
Due date: 25 Jun 2021 at 23:00
3-5 min film + statement (3000 wd equiv)
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Documentary Treatment
Detailed treatment for an interview-based Documentary project
20% Week 05
Due date: 02 Apr 2021 at 23:00
1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO6 LO5 LO4
Assignment Master Interview
3 minute shot and edited documentary interview with critical reflection
20% Week 09
Due date: 07 May 2021 at 23:00
3 min. interview + 500 word statement
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO6 LO5 LO3

Assessment summary

Detailed description of each Assessment task is listed on Canvas

Assessment criteria

Please use the same Assessment grading table listed for MFDI 9303 and MFDI 9313

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 LECTURE: The Evolution of Documentary Online class (2 hr) LO4 LO6
EXERCISE: Photo-essay Online class (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 02 LECTURE: What is Screen Truth? Cinema Verite, Direct Cinema, Mock Doc and Hybrids; Documentary development; Sourcing a Story Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
EXERCISE: Research and develop a non-fiction story Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Week 03 LECTURE: The Art of the Interview; Assessment 1 (Treatment) brief Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
EXERCISE: Interviewing difficult non-fiction subjects Online class (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 04 TECH INTENSIVE 1: Framing and Shooting Interviews Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 05 Assessment 1 (Documentary Treatment) DUE; one-on-one work-in-progress consults as required Online class (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06 TECH INTENSIVE 2: Sound Recording for Documentary Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 07 TECH INTENSIVE 3: Editing Documentary Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 08 LECTURE: Ethics and non-fiction filmmaking Online class (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
EXERCISE: Ethically problematic documentary case studies Online class (1 hr) LO2 LO4 LO6
TUTORIAL: one-on-one Assessment 2 (Interview) consults Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 09 LECTURE: Documentary post-production; Assessment 3 (Documentary) brief. Assessment 2 (Master Interview) DUE Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
TUTORIAL: one-on-one Assessment 3 (Documentary) consults Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 10 EXERCISE: Documentary post-production planning and scheduling Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
TUTORIAL: one-on-one Assessment 3 (Documentary) consults Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 11 TECH INTENSIVE 4: Shooting Documentary (overlay, B-roll, reenactments, dramatisation) Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 12 TUTORIAL: one-on-one work-in-progress consults Online class (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 13 SCREENING: work-in-progress Assessment 3 (Documentary) screenings for peer/tutor feedback and review Online class (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Nichols, B. Introduction to Documentary edition 3 (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2017)

Renov, M. The Subject of Documentary (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2004)

Aufderheide, P. Documentary: a Very Short Introduction (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007)

Roscoe, J., Hight, C. Faking It: Mock-Documentary and the Subversion of Factuality (Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2011)

Winston, B. The Documentary Film Book (London: British Film Institute, 2013)

Winston, B. Lies, Damn Lies and Documentaries (London: British Film Institute, 2000)

Other recommended readings and films will be made available on canvas during the course.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

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

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is a new elective, subsequent iterations will be revised based on student feedback

A basic knowledge of camera, sound and editing technology advantageous

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.