Core Module Information
Module title: Documentary Practice

SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: JAC09122
Module leader: Jaya Jayalakshmi
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 video production, 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 in small 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 about documentaries.

LO2: Translate research into audio-visual ideas.

LO3: Understand and apply appropriate modes of representation to effectively convey a documentary’s purpose.

LO4: Demonstrate the ability to construct a coherent and engaging documentary narrative informed by research and creative storytelling techniques.

LO5: Collaboratively produce a short documentary using technical equipment and editing software.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, 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 documentary production about 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 documentary production. 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 60 2~3~4~5 Week 12 HOURS= 10 minutes You will work in small groups to produce a 10-minute 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 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. Your final grade will be formed of a group mark and peer-assessment.
Portfolio 40 1~3~4 Week 13 , WORDS= 2500 Throughout the module, you will complete a series of formative tasks designed to develop your understanding of audio documentary and podcast production. These tasks will focus on key stages of the creative process, including critically listening to and evaluating professional documentaries, pitching your own documentary ideas, and developing detailed research and production plans. For your summative assessment, you will compile a portfolio that draws on this formative work, showcasing your engagement with the learning process and your individual contribution to the group documentary project. Your portfolio will demonstrate your critical, creative, and technical development over the course of the module. At a minimum, your portfolio must include: One example of a written critique of a professional documentary or podcast; one documentary pitch or proposal; one research and production plan for a documentary; a 1,000-word reflective essay critically reflecting on the completed group documentary and your own contribution to it.
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
JAC09122 Documentary Practice