What is documentary? What forms can it take, and what can it do? What is the relationship between documentary, truth, and fiction, especially in an era of “fake” news? These are some of the questions this co-taught course will pursue. Documentary looks different depending on what questions we ask about it. We will examine documentary as a form of advocacy, as a mode of community-based participatory media, as an avenue of autobiographical expression, as a way of engaging with history, and as a way of creating empathy. Throughout, we will address the relation of documentary film, photography, and writing to authenticity, evidence, and social responsibility.
If you are interested in documentary, in the relationships between representations, truth, and fiction and want to grow/challenge your creative and intellectual abilities in conversation with other like-minded students and professors, this course is for you!