Since the mid-1800s, people have used still images
(photography) and since 1890s, moving images and later
sound (film) to represent reality as they perceive it and/or
as they choose to represent it. The history of non-fiction
film or documentary cinema, is a series of experimentations
in the representation of reality. Since the beginning, with
these experimentations, debates about ethical, aesthetic,
political issues in representation have been unfolding.
This course will offer a critical look at the historical
development of non-fiction film forms and modes.
We will cover documentary theories and criticism, and
related issues including ethics and problematics of
representation. Students will work on a series of short
video exercises and write a series of short responses to the
films and the readings. At the end of the semester, students
are expected to submit a term paper and a proposal for a
project to be implemented next semester.
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