2022/23 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

COMM3130 The Documentary and Reality

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 2022/23

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

On completion of the module, students should have an understanding both of the development of documentary forms and functions and the character of the debates about 'truth' which have surrounded documentary work since the 1920s. More specifically, they should have knowledge of, and analytic competence regarding major stages in the development of documentary practice; criteria used in the evaluation of documentary both by academics and by the public; key visual and verbal components of documentary organisation; narrative and observational structures in documentary; and current tendencies and new technology.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Explain the development of and the issues raised by ‘the creative treatment of actuality’ across film, television and digital media
2. Identify key periods and textual forms in the history of documentary giving examples of the impacts of industrial, technological and/or social change
3. Critically evaluate the use of documentary in the contexts of education, marketing, and activism
4. Analyse documentary film and television and digital media with reference to relevant scholarship

Skills outcomes
Skills of visual and verbal analysis, use of historical documents in the formation of an exposition and judgement, critical debate involving questions of value and the presentation of clear and cogent written and spoken argument will all be developed. Key skills developed in this module include:

- Independent learning
- Critical thinking
- Presentation skills
- Writing skills

Syllabus

This module covers major stages in the development of documentary practice; criteria used in the evaluation of documentary both by academics and by the public; key visual and verbal components of documentary organisation; narrative and observational structures in documentary; and current tendencies and new technology. These topics are explored primarily through an examination of the writings of documentarists and critics, and the viewing of a cross section of the most influential examples of both the film-documentary and the television documentary.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	10	1.00	10.00
Seminar	11	1.00	11.00
Private study hours			179.00
Total Contact hours			21.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Students are required to complete background reading for each seminar (est. 10 hours per seminar). The remaining private study time should be dedicated to researching, preparing and writing the set essays.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students have a tutorial in which to individually discuss essay preparation. Seminars will inform and discuss their essay choices.

The VLE will also be used, with students required to post a response to the week’s set reading in advance of the seminar. This will enable the tutor to monitor the students understanding of the key issues, as well as direct the group learning more effectively in the seminars.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1 x 2,500-3,000 words	50.00
Essay	1 x 2,500 - 3,000 words	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

To resit this module please select an alternative essay title from the module handbook

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 29/04/2022 15:23:01

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