This module scrutinises a number of key debates in documentary, such as reality and representation; 'window on the world' and 'creative treatment of actualiy'; subjectivity and objectivity; fact and dramatisation; documentary as ethnography, ethical issues and local and global debates. This will be done via the contexts of a) the scrutiny of various sub-genres within documentary such as docu-drama, docu-soap, fly-on-the-wall and investigative. b) a look at audiences and patterns and practices of consumption c) via the analysis of various individual film, radio, television and video documentaries. This look at a range of styles and sub-genres of documentary will be more broadly critically located and understood in terms of public and private spheres and historical, social, economic and political contexts.

1. A portfolio of short analyses of three documentaries (selected from a list) which is built-up and compiled throughout the course which will critically scrutinise a range of issues specific to the documentaries in light of relevant critical debates and contextual matters. (1,500 words) [Learning Ooutcomes 1,2,3]
2. A group report which plays the part of 'commissioning editors' and critically comments on a pre-given professional documentary treatment - concerning matters of its style, ethics, feasibility and target audience (in small groups, 1000 words each) [Learning 0utcomes 2,4]

In the first half of the module there are a series of six two-hour workshops combining lecture, screenings, group discussion and set-tasks. You will be presented with a range of diverse and interconnecting debates, ideas and concepts, which will be positioned in terms of their broader contexts and linked to both general and specific examples of a range of screened excerpts of documentaries, which you will critically engage with. Questions will be asked and group discussions and feedback sessions will take place to share and discuss ideas, readings and understandings.
In the second half of the module you will concentrate on the development of your portfolio and prepare your group report and presentation, under the guidance of continual tutorial support. The entire group will convene again in the twelfth week to give their group presentations and to discuss and feed-back on other groups- presentations. This feedback and discussion may assist in the modification of the written element of 'report' for assessment 2.

Barnouw, E. (1993) Documentary: History of the Non-fiction Film, Oxford U.P.
Bruzzi, St. (2 000) New Documentary: A Critical Introduction, Routledge
Corner, J. (1996) The Art of Record: A Critical Introduction to Documentary, M.U.P.
Dovey, J (2000) Freakshow: First Person Media and Factual Television, Pluto Press
Kilborn, R. & Izod, J. (1997) An Introduction to Television Documentary: Confronting Reality, M.U.P
Paget, D. (1998) No Other Way to Tell it: Dramadoc/Docudrama on Television, M.U.P.
Roscoe, J. & Hight, C. (2001) Faking it: Mock Documentary and the Subversion of Factuality, M.U.P.

Library resources
OHP / PowerPoint
Audio / video playback facilities