Foundations of Documentary Practice
Schools of Public Engagement: Media
CRN: 18151
Credits: 3
Students work toward understanding the fundamental aesthetic tools of documentary filmmaking: camera, sound, structure, and interviewing in the context of individual filmic style. Beginning with a series of exercises that lead to a project pitch, students sharpen nonfiction directing and producing skills and gain exposure to the different types of documentary. The course has two components, lecture and idea/production lab, in which student work serves as the basis for tackling aesthetic, narrative and practical issues in documentary. Given the present circumstances, the course also addresses concerns regarding reduced mobility and working with found footage. The semester is divided between idea development, preproduction and conceptual exercises on individual documentary projects. We also view segments of films and videos that represent major trends in documentary history and conduct regular outside reading, thus creating an active seminar for the appreciation of the aesthetic, ethical and practical concerns inherent in a given directorial choice. Guest film professionals provide supplementary instruction and mentorship.
College: Schools of Public Engagement (NS)
Department: Media (MED)
Campus: New York City (GV)
Course Format: Studio (S)
Modality: In-Person
Max Enrollment: 15
Add/Drop Deadline: September 9, 2025 (Tuesday)
Online Withdrawal Deadline: November 17, 2025 (Monday)
Seats Available: Yes
Status: Open*
* Status information is updated every few minutes. The status of this course may have changed since the last update. Open seats may have restrictions that will prevent some students from registering. Updated: 6:46am EDT 3/31/2025