ARTS 251
The Personal Documentary Fall 2020
Division I Difference, Power, and Equity
This is not the current course catalog

Class Details

In this course, we will survey the terrain of personal documentary in all its complexity–its marginal roots, and its current mainstream appeal. Examining a wide array of formal approaches from diary films, to archival excavations, to first-person odysseys, we will ask: what does it mean to tell a story that is personal, vulnerable, ethical? How is the current watershed moment of COVID provoking us to re-imagine our ideas of self and community, private and public? How to avoid predictability and narcissism, and instead use self-reflection productively? How do race, sexuality, class and gender inflect personal filmmaking? Major assignments will include 3-4 short videos; supplementary assignments include a daily diary, weekly film screenings, and 1-2 readings per week. In order to comply with social distancing mandates, the majority of this course will occur online and production assignments will be designed to ensure maximum student safety. While students will have access to campus equipment and lab space, assignments will embrace the possibilities of at-home, DIY approaches to filmmaking.
The Class: Format: studio; In order to comply with social distancing mandates, the majority of this course will occur online and production assignments will be designed to ensure maximum student safety. While students will have access to campus equipment and lab space, assignments will embrace the possibilities of at-home, DIY approaches to filmmaking.
Limit: 10
Expected: 10
Class#: 2933
Grading: yes pass/fail option, no fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation: preparation and participation; 3-4 short videos; daily diary; weekly film screenings, 1-2 readings per week
Prerequisites: 100 level video course or permission of instructor
Enrollment Preferences: sophomores, juniors, majors
Materials/Lab Fee: $230
Distributions: Division I Difference, Power, and Equity
DPE Notes: This course will consider the role of race, gender and sexuality in representing personal experience onscreen.

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