We are excited to share the spring 2021 semester schedule, with two required Documentary Storymaking courses offered.
Doc 250: Rights and Responsibilities in Documentary Inquiry
Professor Lora Taub, Muhlenberg College
Through the lens of documentary filmmaking, Doc 250 explores the legal and ethical issues associated with documentary engagement with the social world. In so doing, we will consider how documentary media construct and represent truth, the nature of documentarians’ relationships with, and ethical obligations towards, their subjects, partners, collaborators, or co-creators, and how these questions inform other documentary practices. Topics discussed will include the impact of copyright law on documentary practice and best practices in fair use for documentary filmmakers. The course seeks to encourage students’ understanding and awareness of the ethical and political implications of documentary practices and to see their own documentary media making as engaged in these complex processes.
Doc 250 traditionally meets in a hybrid environment, combining synchronous online gatherings (Tuesdays, 7-8:15 pm), scheduled in-person gatherings (TBD) and asynchronous digital learning.
Doc 370: Documentary Storymaking Capstone
Drew Swedberg, visiting documentary artist, Lafayette College
The Capstone challenges students to synthesize their course of study across the Documentary Storymaking Minor and solidify their learning in a collaborative documentary project. The course is required in order to complete the Documentary Storymaking Minor. The Capstone is a workshop-based experience that guides students through the design, planning, field research, production, and completion of a substantial documentary media project that results in a public presentation of their most advanced work. Production will be informed and enhanced by class discussion of selected readings, screenings, relevant theories and practices in documentary. The course is offered once a year, typically in the spring semester, and is open to Documentary Studies minors and other advanced students by permission of instructor.
Doc 370 meets on campus at Lafayette College, Wednesdays, 9-11:50 am.
These courses can be taken concurrently. Please contact the program director, lorataub@muhlenberg.edu, if you have questions about the courses or programs. Students with transportation needs should reach out early to ensure we can address prior to the start of the semester.