Film & Television Studies: Real to Reel

Explorations into various issues, ideas, and movements within documentary cinema, with an emphasis on sustainability. May be repeated for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisite: FTS 1400, FTS 1420, or FTS 1430.

Prereqs enforced by the system: FTS 1400 or FTS 1420 or FTS 1430; PACE students by permission and override

*NOTE Please contact instructor if you are an RDS minor and need an override. deborah.ellis@uvm.edu Documentary film is perceived as teaching us about the “real” world. But, theorists and practitioners acknowledge that while documentary draws on and refers to the historical world and actual people, it represents from distinct perspectives. We’ll explore this phenomena through screenings, readings and discussion. This course has two goals – 1) to provide an overview of documentary film history, and 2) in a broad sense, to consider a sustainability approach to the study of film. What is the landscape of documentary film today, how do documentaries get made, how is documentary changing and how do films impact an audience? Prepare to be challenged. You will see some films you may be familiar with, others that are not like anything you’ve ever seen. I won’t ask you to “like” or “agree” with the films or views presented in the films, but I will ask that you be open to ideas, experiences, and modes of representation.

Attendance and participation are critical. In addition to attending class and reading assignments you'll be required to watch films every week and be prepared to respond to them. Typically screenings will be under 90 minutes, and often will be @ 60 minutes.

Participation, several low-tech production exercises, a mid-term essay and final research paper. Questions? Feel free to reach out to Deb Ellis deborah.ellis@uvm.edu