FILM 385
Fall 2025
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01
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This course provides foundational knowledge for documentary filmmaking introducing students to the history and aesthetics of documentaries and exploring international nonfiction filmmaking from the origins of cinema to the end of the 20th century. The writings of film theorist Bill Nichols, including his influential documentary modes, play a central role in the course. Students learn how documentary has been defined and redefined through the study of how filmmakers were inspired by the concerns and technology of their age. This course also addresses issues of accountability, representation, access, and ethics in documentary filmmaking. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA FILM |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: FILM304 |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (Film Studies Minor)(Film Studies)(Human Rights Advocacy Minor) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: 50% - 74% |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Introduction to Documentary, Fourth Edition by Bill Nichols with Jaimie Baron
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Examinations and Assignments:
Readings and screening
Three 6-8 page papers
One quiz |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
This course could be considered a writing intensive course because the three papers total 18-24 pages which make up the large majority of the course grade. There are additional, periodic writing assignments based on screenings and related readings. |
| Instructor(s): Strain,Tracy Times: ..T.R.. 08:50AM-12:10PM; Location: TBA |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 20 | | SR major: 2 | JR major: 2 | | |
| Seats Available: 20 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 3 | JR non-major: 3 | SO: 10 | FR: 0 |
| 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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