Journalism 304-01, The Documentary (CRN 13399) Fall 2002
Professor: George Kindel
Associate Professor of Journalism
MRC Auditorium at Boatwright Library
(Tuesday/Thursday, 2:15-3:30 p.m.)
Office & Hours: 408 Ryland Hall (mailbox in 419 Ryland)
Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-Noon, 2-5 p.m. (walk-in)
M/T/Th/F by appointment only
Phones: UR Office: X6049
Home: 378-3656
E-mail: gkindel@richmond.edu
Text: "Documentary: A History of the Non-Fiction Film,
"by Erik Barnouw
Second Edition, 1993, Oxford University Press
Note: This text is very readable and well organized. It avoids, for the most part, the technology of documentary film and instead focuses on the film makers.
Course Objectives
This is a seminar course that will explore and, in many instances, closely examine the documentary in a variety of formats film, video, audio and still images with heavy emphasis on film. This is not a study of movies, television, radio, magazines or the Web. Those are distribution systems, not distinctive creative forms meant to record, illuminate and power the changing human condition. We will, however, cross-reference the technological, political and social influences that have paralleled the continuing evolution of the fundamental documentary form.
Class Overview
Each class will consist of a lecture, documentary viewing and class discussion. Read the assigned chapter in Barnouw before coming to class. It will prepare you for that day's viewing, and better prepare you to contribute to class discussion. You also will be asked to view selected documentary films on reserve at the MRC. Your notes will contribute to the class discussion.
Course Requirements
Exams: You will have a mid-term and final, each consisting of a combination of multiple choice and essay questions. The final will cover course work for the entire semester, with an emphasis on second-half materials, lectures and discussion. I will use one-half of a class period for review before each exam. NOTE: THE FINAL WILL BE ADMINISTERED ACCORDING TO THE UNIVERSITY'S EXAM SCHEDULE POLICY NO EXCEPTIONS.
Projects: You will be responsible for two projects.
The first will consist of an oral/written presentation and class discussion of a documentary film you have viewed, researched and critiqued. NOTE: BECAUSE THESE FILMS ARE ON RESERVE AND THE CLASS WILL PREPARE FOR YOUR PRESENTATION, YOU MUST PRESENT ON THE DATE ASSIGNED NO EXCEPTIONS.
The second project will be a written proposal for a documentary, format of your choice. More on these projects in the next two weeks.
GRADING & EVALUATION POLICIES
My philosophy places the responsibility for grades squarely in your hands. I believe that when you first enter a course you begin at zero, then build your grade as the semester progresses. Therefore, I offer this guide for your grade construction:
Mid-term exam: 20 points
Final exam: 25 points
First project: 20 points
Second project: 20 points
Class discussion: 15 points
Evaluation of class discussion is subjective: If I think you've made a contribution to that day's learning, you will receive credit. Talk for the sake of talk offers the class nothing. So, come prepared to get involved!
Grading of your two projects also is somewhat subjective, though there will be guidelines for you to follow and I will discuss your oral/written presentations with you before you make them. This will help ensure that each presentation is a positive experience for all, including you.
NOTE: PROJECTS ARE DUE ON THEIR ASSIGNED DATE. SECOND PROJECTS TURNED IN LATE WILL BE ACCEPTED, BUT THE GRADE WILL DROP ONE-THIRD OF A LETTER GRADE FOR EVERY CLASS PERIOD THEY ARE OVERDUE (ex., late by one class period drops a B+ paper to B; if it were late two class periods it would receive a B-, and so on)
PROJECTS NOT TURNED IN BY FRIDAY BEFORE THE FINAL EXAM WILL RECEIVE ZERO POINTS.
Final letter grades will be determined as follows: A+ (96-100); A (92-95); A- (90-91); B+ (86-89); B (82-85); B- (80-81); C+ (76-79); C (72-75); C- (70-71); D (65-69); F (64 and below).
THE INTANGIBLE: I expect your class performance to improve as your understanding of the course materials and classroom procedures improves. Therefore, I reserve the right to raise not lower your grade based on my interpretation of your progress.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Because this class requires your participation, attendance is mandatory. That means I take attendance every day, and it will be figured into the class participation portion of your grade. The consequences of not attending class are yours to shoulder. To quote the deans of both colleges on this matter: "As deans, we do not excuse students for illness, family emergencies, court dates, etc. Acceptance of any excuse is at the discretion of the faculty member." Requests by deans that a student be allowed to miss a class will be accepted, but you will be responsible for making up any missed work.
MRC POLICY
Films for this course are on reserve at the MRC desk just outside the auditorium. Be warned, however, that some films also are being used by other courses. Make sure you don't leave your viewing for the last minute.
No food is allowed in the MRC auditorium.
PLAGIARISM AND THE HONOR PLEDGE
You are required to write out and sign the honor pledge at the end of each exam and project. In addition, we will discuss what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid it.
The honor pledge is as follows: I pledge that I have neither given nor received unauthorized assistance during completion of this work."