MO3391 Documentary Film and History

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 9

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

TBC

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr J F M Clark

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr John Clark

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module seeks to understand the ways in which history is made visible and audible, through film and podcasts. Although it examines alternative ways of representing history, it explores common judgements which surround acts of selection, arrangement, and presentation of the past. Through a historical examination of documentary film, from the early twentieth century to present, this module encourages students to be reflexive and reflective about the practices of History, from the origins of film to the digital age. Students will be taught how to ‘read’ documentaries, and how to write about them effectively. By examining history in relation to the media, this module will explore cultural uses (and abuses) of the past. Through a greater awareness of multiple media, though which history is disseminated, students will be able to place their acquired knowledge and skills within the context of public history.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE COMPLETING THIS MODULE, STUDENTS MUST HAVE SATISFIED THE HONOURS ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ESTABLISHED BY THE SCHOOL OF HISTORY.

Assessment pattern

Coursework - 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework - 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 x 2-hour seminar (x11 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

22

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

286

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • analyse critically film and radio documentaries
  • engage critically with the history of documentary film
  • undertake oral presentations with greater confidence and effectiveness
  • appreciate the similarities and differences between written historical scholarship and non-fiction film and radio history productions
  • produce a 'pitch' for a history documentary film