Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Documentary Practice
SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: JAC09122
Module leader: Carolyn Scott
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Screen and Performance
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

This module bridges the gap between short-form news packages and longer-form documentary. You will develop your technical skills in both audio and video, understanding how to use materials aesthetically to produce creative documentaries. You will also learn skills to help structure longer narratives and consider issues beyond interview capture, such as interview setting, visual representation, and the use of actuality. Working individually and then in groups, you will produce engaging documentaries. Through lectures, watching and listening to documentaries, and peer discussion, you will consider and appreciate the role of the documentary-maker in constructing ‘truth’ and your role as journalists in mediating stories. Finally, through a group critique, you will learn the skills needed to offer, and receive constructive feedback.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Critically reflect on key debates surrounding audio and film documentaries.

LO2: Examine the relationship between documentary maker and subject.

LO3: Translate research into audio and audio-visual ideas.

LO4: Understand and apply appropriate modes of representation to effectively convey a documentary’s purpose.

LO5: Demonstrate the ability to construct a coherent and engaging documentary narrative informed by research and creative storytelling techniques.

LO6: Collaboratively produce a short documentary using technical equipment and editing software.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, Trimester 2, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 002
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Carolyn Scott
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 12 In lectures, you will be introduced to key debates in audio and visual documentary production around the representation of ‘reality’. These debates explore notions of subjectivity and objectivity, truth and inquiry, voice, reality, and representation. You will become aware of different approaches to constructing documentaries, and ethical considerations that accompany the choices you make.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 36 In workshops you will practice and develop your practical skills in filming and recording content using industry standard equipment. You will process and catalogue content and explore advanced edition techniques for audio and film documentaries. You will cultivate skills in documentary research and conceptualisation, in the organisation of location filming and recording, and in the derivation of a structured narrative from documentary material.
Online Guided independent study 80 Guided independent study
Online GROUPIND_STUDY 72 Groupwork (Independent Study)
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Project - Practical 40 2~3~4~5~6 Week 12 HOURS= 10 minutes You will work in small groups to produce a 10-minute audio or film documentary developed from a brief that you will write and pitch to your tutor. You will work collaboratively, each team member taking different roles to create a structured narrative with an appropriate approach to representing the subject of your film/audio documentary. You are expected to demonstrate competence in camerawork, sound-recording, and editing. Your assessment will also take into account your ability to contribute to group work, manage workloads, study independently and meet deadlines. A group mark will be awarded for each film.
Project - Practical 40 1~3~5 Not Yet Determi HOURS= 8 minutes In this assessment, you will be provided with a range of pre-recorded video and audio content. Your task is to curate and edit this material into a cohesive 3-4 minute documentary film segment and a 3-4 minute audio documentary segment. This project will allow you to refine your practical skills in editing, while also developing your ability to craft engaging stories through visuals and sound. By the end of this assessment, you will have gained a deeper understanding of how to use media tools to communicate visual and sonic narratives effectively.
Learning Log 20 1~2~6 Week 13 HOURS= 1,000 words You will produce a self-reflexive commentary, reflecting on your group work and the key concepts and theories explored in the module. This can be submitted as a written essay, recorded video, audio essay, or annotated PowerPoint, all equivalent to 1,000 words.
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
JAC09122 Documentary Practice
 

Related information