Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Documentary Practice
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 40.00
ECTS credit value: 20
Module code: LMD11802
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 be introduced to techniques for documentary research, observation, interviewing, storyboarding, and storytelling. You will learn technical documentary camera, sound and editing skills. Key documentary philosophical debates around 'truth', representation and objectivity/subjectivity, will be introduced and discussed, and you will cultivate an understanding of the different modes of documentary production. You will independently practice your documentary filmmaking skills through the completion of a portfolio of short assessable film exercises. You will simultaneously research and develop ideas for a documentary film that will be filmed and edited in Trimesters 2 and 3. Through the trimester, you are also asked to independently research one or more aspects of your local documentary film industry, which you will share with your peers and tutors.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Demonstrate the ability to plan and complete short documentary exercises.

LO2: Critically explore creative and technical skills and techniques involved in documentary production.

LO3: Critically engage with researching and creatively developing ideas for documentary films.

LO4: Critically explore key theoretical and philosophical debates underpinning documentary film practice.

LO5: Plan an engaging approach to presenting research and creative ideas.

LO6: Critically appraise an aspect of the relationship between documentary film production and the documentary film industry.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 1, Online (fully o,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Online (fully o
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
Independent Learning Lecture 12 Your learning of diverse creative approaches to documentary representation and debates will be supported by lectures, screenings and discussions.
Independent Learning Seminar 15 Seminars will enable interaction, peer support, community building, discussions and knowledge exchange around keys subjects and the development of your projects.
Online Demonstration 12 You will be able to access recorded lectures and demonstrations on key skills and techniques that will support your documentary film practice.
Independent Learning Practical classes and workshops 8 Online synchronous workshops will support your development of relevant skills for this module.
Independent Learning Tutorial 15 In tutorials, you will receive verbal feedback at regular intervals to support the development of your documentary film ideas and practice.
Online Fieldwork 78 With guidance and support from tutors, you have to independently carry out research for your documentary film project. You also have to investigate potential links and resources in your local film industry.
Online Guided independent study 260 You will work independently to research, develop and produce your ideas, and to complete coursework for this module. You will be given the opportunity to either meet in-person or participate online at an international documentary film festival for in-person tutorials, and industry screenings and networking.
Total Study Hours400
Expected Total Study Hours for Module400


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Portfolio 30 1~2 Week 9 , WORDS= Upto 15 mins. These film exercises will be accompanied by prescriptive briefs. They will encompass the practice of planning, storyboarding, storytelling, interviewing, and the visualisation of abstract ideas and concepts. The exercises will have staggered deadlines for submission.
Report 30 6 Week 13 , WORDS= 1500words/equiv You will write a report or submit a visual presentation to share your findings about one or more aspects or resources relating to your local (documentary) film industry.
Oral Assessment 40 3~4~5 Week 13 HOURS= 15 minutes You will formally present your ideas and accompanying research for your Masters documentary film project, in a 15-minute presentation that can be accompanied with relevant slides, film sketches, still images, film footage and audio. This will also be accompanied by a written synopsis and a one-page treatment of your project idea.
Component 1 subtotal: 60
Component 2 subtotal: 40
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
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