Module UXS-2057:
Documentary Filmmaking

Module Facts

Run by School of Languages, Literatures, Linguistics and Media

20 Credits or 10 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Dr Dyfrig Jones

Overall aims and purpose

The aim of this course is to enable students to expand their understanding of documentary principles by undertaking practical production work. Students will work in groups of no more than 3 people to produce a video or audio production of between 5 and 10 minutes in length. Students will be expected to explore some of the principles discussed on module UXS 2045, Understanding Documentary, and analyse the relationship between their practical work and the theoretical context in which it exists.

Course content

During the first half of the module students will be given formal instruction in both documentary theory and media practice. This part of the module will examine the ways in which theoretical viewpoints influence the work of practitioners. It will also give students instruction in advanced production techniques, building upon the techniques learnt as part of UXS 1038 Introduction to Media Practice. In addition, the workshop sessions held during the first part of the course will allow students to undertake pre-production work on their final projects, in consultation with the tutors. During the second half of the semester, students will not be expected to attend weekly timetabled sessions. Students will undertake independent study during this period, using the time to develop and produce their final production project. Tutors will provide support, by appointment.

Assessment Criteria

threshold

Threshold (40%+)

Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows:

  • Generally accurate but with omissions and errors.
  • Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning.
  • Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions.
  • Draws on a relatively narrow range of material.

good

Good (50%+)

Submitted work is competent throughout and occasionally distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates:

  • Good structure and logically developed arguments.
  • At least in parts draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student.
  • Assertions are, in the main, backed by evidence and sound reasoning.
  • Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

Very Good (60%+)

Submitted work is competent throughout and distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates:

  • Very good structure and logically developed arguments.
  • Draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student.
  • Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning.
  • Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

excellent

Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways:

  • Has originality of exposition with the student's own thinking being readily apparent.
  • Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study.
  • Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions.

Learning outcomes

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the processes by which documentaries are produced

  2. Demonstrate technical skill in one aspect of a group media production

  3. Demonstrate how practical experience of production is related to media production theory

  4. Critically examine the process of media production in relation to documentary theory

  5. Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a production team

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
Final Group Production 50
Individual Contribution to Group work 20
Ethics Statement 30

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Workshop

3 hour lecture & workshop every week for 11 weeks

 33
Tutorial

Independent learning support during weeks 6-12

 6
Private study 161

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Safety-Consciousness - Having an awareness of your immediate environment, and confidence in adhering to health and safety regulations
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Management - Able to utilise, coordinate and control resources (human, physical and/or financial)
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
  • Leadership - Able to lead and manage, develop action plans and objectives, offer guidance and direction to others, and cope with the related pressures such authority can result in

Pre- and Co-requisite Modules

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses:

Optional in courses: