JOURN 125 The Documentary: A Social Force (5 credits)
Distribution Area Fulfilled Humanities; General Transfer Elective
Course Description
Throughout history, the documentary film has been a major social force that has moved us, amused us, manipulated us and inspired us. Using viewings and group discussions, this class examines the history and genres of the non-fiction film and the social impact of modern documentaries.
Course Content
A. The structure of the documentary industry today and its impact upon American society
B. The social and historical development of the documentary film
C. Major social issues raised by current and classic documentary films
D. Market forces that shape, encourage or discourage the production of documentary films
E. The impact that the public can make in shaping media decision-making regarding the production and/or exhibition of documentary films
Student Outcomes
1. Recognize the impact of the documentary film on shaping a society.
2. Explain how documentaries can shape our views of reality and motivate us to action.
3. Compare the approach and motivation of influential documentary film producers.
4. Identify and explain how market forces determine the production and exhibition of documentaries.
5. Identify the primary genres or classifications of documentary films.
6. Explain the history and development of the documentary film.
7. Explain how social forces and technology caused documentary film production to evolve into a separate industry of entertainment films.
8. Recognize the differences between a documentary, a docudrama, and a fact-based film.
9. Identify ways in which individuals can influence the mass media industries to make them more useful and responsive to a society.
Degree Outcomes
Humanities: Graduates acquire critical skills to interpret, analyze, and evaluate forms of human expression, which can include creation and performance as an expression of human experience.
Global Citizenship: Graduates will be able to critically examine the relationship between self, community, and/or environments, and to evaluate and articulate potential impacts of choices, actions, and contributions for the creation of sustainable and equitable systems.
Lecture Contact Hours 50
Lab Contact Hours 0
Clinical Contact Hours 0
Total Contact Hours 50
Potential Methods
A. Written assignments
B. Examinations
C. Individual/Group projects
D. Reaction papers or journals
E. Presentations
F. Class discussions
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