DRA 315 - Documentary Film Survey: History, Genre, Filmmakers

3 CR

The history of cinema began with nonfiction short films. These ‘actualities’ gave rise to documentaries that represent real life and seek ‘truth’. John Grierson, who coined the term documentary, defined it as the ‘creative treatment of actuality’. Our course examines the evolution, history, and development of documentaries. Genres, subgenres, and filmmaker style will also be in focus. Documentary theory offers us ideas and language that inform and help guide our discussions.

Prerequisite(s): ENG 101.