NDOC
5000

Foundations of Documentary Practice

Schools of Public Engagement: Media

Non-Liberal Arts
Undergraduate Course
Graduate Course
Degree Students
Fnds Documentary Practice
Fall 2025
Taught By: Amir Husak
Section: A

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.

Media Studies courses are open to all graduate students. Undergraduate Juniors and Seniors with permission from the instructor and BA/MA Media studies students should email mediastudiesadvising@newschool.edu for access.
Prerequisites: No Prerequisites
Co-Requisites: No Co-requisites

College: Schools of Public Engagement (NS)

Department: Media (MED)

Campus: New York City (GV)

Course Format: Studio (S)

Modality: In-Person

Max Enrollment: 15

Repeat Limit: N/A

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

Meeting Info:
Days: Monday
Times: 4:00pm - 6:40pm
Building: TBD
Room: TBD
Date Range: 8/27/2025 - 12/15/2025