It has developed its own genres, formative traditions, theoretical reflections and aesthetic criteria, as well as supporting institutions of production, distribution, and exhibition. This course treats nonfiction cinema in a rough chronological order and touches upon the major moments and movements. Special emphasis, however, is placed on the development of documentary form, the claims it makes in representing the world, its role in societies, and its relation to ideology. In this sense, the course is not a historical survey designed to teach things about documentaries - although it will expose you to a wide range of impulses and styles, from propaganda to ethnographic films to the evening news. We will instead develop rigorous ways to think about the documentary form.
Evaluation is based on written assignments and a final exam.
Check Times, Location, and Availability 441. May be repeated for a total of six credits. Section 001 - Japanese Cinema. Check Times, Location, and Availability 455. Topics in Film Studies.