Cinematic Language of Documentary
FILM 386
Spring 2026
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01
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Drawing from documentaries produced since the advent of television, this course deconstructs the cinematic tools employed in the art of documentary filmmaking. We will explore how cinematography, sound, performance, mise-en-scène, and editing as well as archival material, character/subject, and location/place operate to serve filmmakers' storytelling goals. Students will learn how technological changes through to the present have influenced creative and practical filmmaking choices as well as brought forth issues of accountability, representation, access, and ethics. This class provides an opportunity for students to realize that the lines between documentary and fiction film are more porous than typically appreciated. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA FILM |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: FILM385 |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (Film Studies Minor)(Film Studies) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: 90% or above |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Readings will be provided by the instructor.
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Examinations and Assignments:
Weekly screenings and responses, periodical video/photo assignments, one paper, final group presentations. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
This course is designed for any student interested in making documentary filmmaking who meets the prerequisites.
For the periodic video/photo assignments, students will use their phones.
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| Instructor(s): Strain,Tracy Times: .M.W... 08:50AM-12:10PM; Location: TBA |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 16 | | SR major: 2 | JR major: 2 | | |
| Seats Available: 16 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 2 | JR non-major: 2 | SO: 8 | FR: X |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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