Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Advanced Documentary Practice
SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: LMD09125
Module leader: Sana Bilgrami
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:

You will develop your techniques of documentary research, storytelling, creative visualisation and structure. You will advance your documentary camera and sound skills, and interview techniques. You will also further cultivate an understanding of the different modes of documentary production, and explore a range of cinematic approaches to documenting and interrogating reality.You will be encouraged to interpret the concept of documentary representation in very broad ways and to continually rethink and rework your own creative approaches to documentary. This emphasis on lateral thinking and imaginative representation will endow you with creative skills that are applicable to a wide range of work within the media industries.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Demonstrate a critical understanding of the major arguments and debates with respect to ideas of 'truth' and the representation of 'facts' in the documentary form.

LO2: Identify and analyse different modes of documentary.

LO3: Critically reflect on the process of researching and developing concepts for documentary, and the necessary connection between subject and form.

LO4: Identify and demonstrate key technical skills and techniques involved in documentary production.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2026/7, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Sana Bilgrami
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 9 Your learning of diverse creative approaches to documentary representation will be supported by lectures, screenings and discussions. The lectures are recorded to allow you to watch them in your own time, at your own pace. Lectures are accompanied by lecture notes on Moodle.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 15 Workshops will support your development of relevant skills for this module. These include practical camera/sound-recording workshops to develop your documentary filmmaking skills, research, story planning, story-boarding and pitching workshops. Workshop notes will be posted on Moodle.
Face To Face Tutorial 12 In tutorials, you will receive verbal feedback at regular intervals to support the development of your documentary film ideas and practice. You are expected to record and reflect on your feedback using the Tutorial Action form. This process will help to translate feedback into action points. You will be encouraged to audio-record feedback at tutorials to aid this process of recording and reflecting.
Online Guided independent study 151 You will work independently and collaboratively to research, develop and record your ideas, and to complete coursework for this module.
Online Guided independent study 13 Reading week: No teaching will take place during Reading Week. This week is intended to support reflection on and consolidation of your practice and learning. The module leader will offer guidance to inform and support the development of your practice during this time.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Essay 35 1~2~3 Week 9 , WORDS= 1500 words In a critical essay, you will demonstrate your understanding of documentary theory, and the relationship between subject and form in relation to your own practice. If required, you will be offered reasonable adjustments for this assessment, which can be formulated through discussion with the module leader.
Project - Practical 65 3~4 Week 13 HOURS= 10 minutes You are required to keep a record of your research, creative development and critical reflection which should be made available at regular intervals to your collaborators and your tutors. This will inform the development of your ideas and practice through the course of the module. You will be assessed on the scope, depth, development, and translation of your research into audio-visual ideas, alongside the demonstration of appropriate documentary filmmaking skills and a creative approach, to complete a short documentary film. This will include an assessment of your studentship as a researcher and collaborator in documentary practice.If required, you will be offered reasonable adjustments for this assessment, which can be formulated through discussion with the module leader.
Component 1 subtotal: 35
Component 2 subtotal: 65
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
LMD09125 Advanced Documentary Practice
 

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