COM 400 - Documentary and Social Change

3 Semester Hours
Prerequisite: COM 220
This course examines the documentary tradition in film, television and new media. Throughout the semester, we will analyze the various elements that contribute to the creation of informative, moving and powerful works of documentary media. We will examine a range of techniques and modes of representation that documentarians use to effectively communicate their ideas through audiovisual forms. We will learn about ethical issues involved in using nonfiction media to promote social change and we will consider how technological developments over time have led to new ethical questions. Students will also produce their own short documentaries in order to put what they have learned into practice. The class includes readings, screenings, short writing assignments and the production of a short video.