NMDS
5540

Interactive Documentary

Schools of Public Engagement: Media

Non-Liberal Arts
Undergraduate Course
Graduate Course
Degree Students
Interactive Documentary
Fall 2024
Taught By: Amir Husak
Section: A

CRN: 17169

Credits: 3

This course explores the evolving practice of interactive documentary. Concentrating on production methods, hands-on and empirical approaches, the course takes aim at the following questions: How do interactive media change the way we tell non-fiction stories? What are the potentials and limitations of using interactive and non-linear forms to negotiate between reality on the one hand and representation, and interpretation on the other? What are some of the inherent biases of these technologies, and what kind of challenges do they pose to traditional documentary methods? Over the course of the semester, we will survey a wide variety of emergent media technologies such as web-based interfaces, AR/VR/MR and locative media, GPS-adapted systems, machine learning/AI tech, desktop and mobile applications. Combining screenings, discussions, readings and production assignments, the course applies a critical lens on issues such as representation, equity, semantics, sequencing and non-linearity when making interactive documentaries. Students complete a series of conceptual exercises and a final project using a variety of proprietary and open-source tools and technologies. NOTE: students may either develop an existing project or generate a new proposal in class, ideally using previously acquired media (video, audio, photography, text). Prior coding and/or digital design experience is helpful, but the course also makes use of ready-made tools and platforms to help facilitate production processes for those students with limited exposure to coding and digital design. This course was formerly titled "Documentary Practice and Emerging Media."

Pre-Requisite: Media Design (NMDS 5008) or instructor permission. This is a hybrid seminar/production course as may be counted as either designation toward a student’s degree. 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.

College: Schools of Public Engagement (NS)

Department: Media (MED)

Campus: New York City (GV)

Course Format: Studio (S)

Modality: Online - Synchronous

Max Enrollment: 15

Add/Drop Deadline: September 9, 2024 (Monday)

Online Withdrawal Deadline: November 17, 2024 (Sunday)

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: 1:26am EDT 3/29/2024

Meeting Info:
Days: Wednesday
Times: 4:00pm - 6:40pm
Building: Online Course
Room: 999
Date Range: 8/28/2024 - 12/4/2024