B.A. (Film, Television and New Media Production) Introduction to History of Non Fiction Films Syllabus - Mumbai University

This is the FY BAFTNMP syllabus under NEP 2020, in force from the academic year 2024-25. The first two years of this degree are on NEP; the third year is still on the University's earlier CBSGS scheme, and it is marked as such on its own pages.

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Syllabus for Introduction to History of Non-Fiction Films

Major · Semester 2 · FY BAFTNMP · 2 credits · 30 hours

Course objectives

The primary objective of this course is to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of non-fiction film and video, particularly within the genre of documentary filmmaking. Through critical exploration of historical and theoretical aspects, participants will engage with key questions related to the representation of reality, ethical considerations, and the impact of documentaries on both audiences and society. By the end of the course, participants should possess a solid foundation in the history, formal approaches, and ethical dimensions of documentary filmmaking.

Course outcomes

Upon completion of the course, participants should: ● Be acquainted with key periods in the history of non-fiction film and video, spanning from 1895 to the present. Recognize and articulate the evolution of documentary storytelling conventions across different eras. ● Recognize and articulate various forms and conventions of documentary storytelling, including the fundamental grammar of documentary moving images. ● Understand the impact of different formal approaches on the representation of real life events. ● Examine critical issues in the ethics of documentary representation, including ● relationships between makers and subjects, informed consent, fairness, and the use of evidence. ● Develop an understanding of responsible and ethical documentary practices. ● Be familiar with initiatives aimed at establishing more democratic systems of media production and distribution. ● Develop the ability to critically watch earlier films with an understanding of both their historical context and personal future goals, approaching them with a discerning and analytical perspective. ● Possess the capacity to think critically and articulate insights about non-fiction media, both in oral and written form. ● Apply theoretical knowledge to analyse the relationship between documentary and other non-fiction forms. Apply ethical considerations in the context of documentary representation.

Module 1: Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking

Overview of non-fiction film and video
Distinctive features of documentary as a genre
Comparison with narrative fiction filmmaking, reality TV, and news reports
Key questions: How does documentary relate to other non-fiction forms? To what extent are documentary representations "real"?

Module 2: Formal Approaches in Documentary

Exploration of diverse formal approaches in documentary
Impact of formal choices on the representation of real-life events
Analysis of documentary grammar and storytelling techniques
Historical evolution of documentary image-making
Key question: How do formal approaches shape the representation of reality in documentaries?

Module 3: Ethics in Documentary Representation

Critical examination of ethical considerations in documentary representation
Relationships between filmmakers and subjects
Informed consent, fairness, and the use of evidence
Exploration of responsible and ethical documentary practices
Key question: What responsibilities do documentarians have to their subjects, the documentary form, and society?

Module 4: Documentary History and Key Periods

Survey of key periods in the history of non-fiction film and video (1895 to the present)
Analysis of documentary storytelling conventions across different eras
Examination of the evolution of documentary image-making
Key question: What lessons can be drawn from the history of documentary for contemporary media production?

Module 5: Audience, Impact, and Future Directions

Examination of how audiences consume documentaries
Impact of documentaries on the subjects they aim to represent
Initiatives for more democratic systems of media production and distribution
Development of critical thinking skills for analyzing non-fiction media
Key question: How do documentaries impact audiences, and what is the role of media production in contemporary society?

Reference Books

1. "Documentary: A History of the Non-Fiction Film" (2nd Edition) Author: Erik Barnouw
2. "Crafting Truth: Documentary Form and Meaning" Authors: Louise Spence and Vinicius Navarro

Cut from the University of Mumbai syllabus for B.A. (Film, Television and New Media Production), item 5.3 (N) of the Academic Council meeting of 20.04.24 (NEP 2020), in force from 2024-25. Wording, module numbering and reading lists are as printed there.

The complete syllabus

This subject is cut from one of the University circulars below. Open the document if you want the whole thing rather than a single subject.

PDF BA FTNMP Sem I and II (2024-25) NEP NEP 2020 syllabus, in force from 2024-25 Read full PDF Read

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PDF BA FTNMP Sem I to VI (2017-18) CBSGS item 4.129 CBSGS syllabus, in force from 2017-18 Read full PDF Read

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