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2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

COMM3395 TV Documentary Journalism

20 creditsClass Size: 48

Module manager: Dr David Lee
Email: d.j.lee@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module is designed to provide an understanding of contemporary documentary production, including: the different genres within broadcast documentary; the complex processes involved in its production; and the regulatory and commercial factors that impact on it. It focuses on the study of journalistic documentary genres, and examines key academic and practitioner debates around these forms. Students will learn to understand the concept of documentary feature production, how to ‘read’ visual images within documentary production and be conversant with the complexity of its structures and sequences. The module also examines the relationship between programme-makers, contributors, and contributing organizations. It provides an understanding of the key national broadcast regulatory codes as well as recent changes to the industry and to creative labour which impact on documentary production.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to ...
This module is designed to provide an understanding of contemporary documentary production, including: the different genres within broadcast documentary; the complex processes involved in its production; and the regulatory and commercial factors that impact on it. Over the course of the semester, you will learn to understand the concept of documentary feature production, and learn about the multiple genres within it. You will learn how to ‘read’ visual images within documentary production and be conversant with the complexity of its structures and sequences. You will examine the relationship between programme-makers, contributors, and contributing organizations. You will learn about the key national broadcast regulatory codes as well as recent changes to the industry and to creative labour which impact on documentary production.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- Analyse styles of factual programmes
- Understand key genres within contemporary television documentary
- Reflect critically on how contributors are used to dramatise and illustrate different types of story within different types of programme
- Understand the practical courses of action available to programme-makers
Interpret and apply the BBC’s and other editorial guidelines in relation to documentary productionUnderstand how changes within the broadcasting industry have impacted on documentary production and content in recent years


Syllabus

In this module, students will analyse how broadcasting approaches current issues. Analysis of styles of 'factual programmes' will be examined through principal news documentary genres. Students will reflect critically on how contributors are used to dramatise and illustrate different types of story within different types of programme. They will be encouraged to develop a critical approach to the values, techniques and preoccupations of current factual broadcasting. Students will also learn about the regulatory framework within which documentarians work, as well as studying how recent changes to the broadcasting industry, such as fragmentation and commercialisation, have impacted on documentary production and content in the last two decades

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture101.0010.00
Seminar101.0010.00
Tutorial10.500.50
Private study hours179.50
Total Contact hours20.50
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Private study

Preparation for weekly lectures and seminars and for module assessments.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress is monitored by participation in seminars.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay1 x 2,500 - 3000 word essay50.00
Essay1 x 2,500 - 3000 word essay50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

To resit any component, please select an alternative title from the module handbook

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 27/04/2017

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