Overview
In this unit, you will learn the history and theory of documentary, and about current trends in industry practice. Through a series of individual exercises, you will gain skills in project development, sound and vision capture, and documentary editing using industry-standard software. You will apply these skills in the production of your own short documentary. You will be encouraged to find your authentic voice and visual style, and will be introduced to the ethical and legal considerations for documentary practice.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Prerequisite: MMST11009 Digital Video and Audio
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2024
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Teaching colleague.
Assignment 1 could be further aligned with Assignment 2.
Modify Assignment 1 to include additional planning for Assignment 2. Have students present their work as a video pitch with accompanying documentation that is consistent with current industry practice.
- Integrate a theoretical understanding of documentary practice and audiovisual skills in the creation of a completed documentary project.
- Apply documentary editing principles in the creation of a documentary using industry-standard editing software.
- Manage media files and workflow through the stages of development, pre-production, production, post-production and distribution
- Reflect critically on one's own professional documentary practice within an industry-standard ethical framework.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Practical Assessment - 40% | ||||
| 2 - Practical Assessment - 60% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
Additional Textbook Information
All resources and textbooks for this unit are available online. These are accessible via Moodle and the eReading list.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Video and Audio Recording Device (Camcorder, Digital Camera, Smartphone, etc.)
- Microphone and camera for use with Livestream classes (all students)
- Students will require access to video editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVInci Resolve free version are recommended)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
j.cattoni@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction to documentary practice, theory & unit overview
Finding your ideas and your audience
Chapter
See Week 1 Study Guide (found on Moodle)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Documentary elements and genres
Know your gear
Chapter
See Week 2 Study Guide (found on Moodle)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Documentary ethics and legal frameworks
Interviewing documentary participants
Chapter
See Week 3 Study Guide (found on Moodle)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Census date check-in
Module/Topic
Introduction to documentary editing
Making stylistic choices
Chapter
See Week 4 Study Guide (found on Moodle)
Events and Submissions/Topic
VIdeo pitch feedback
Module/Topic
Integrating viewer feedback
Completing your video pitch and pitch deck
Chapter
See Week 5 Study Guide (found on Moodle)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
No classes this week
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Pre-production: Planning for your production, permissions, safety and scheduling
Chapter
See Week 6 Study Guide (found on Moodle)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Production: Shooting your documentary
Wellbeing, workflow and file management
Chapter
See Week 7 Study Guide (found on Moodle)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Post-production 1: Reviewing your footage and assembling scenes
Chapter
See Week 8 Study Guide (found on Moodle)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Rough-cut feedback
Module/Topic
Post-production 2: Creating your rough-cut
Chapter
See Week 9 Study Guide (found on Moodle)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Rough-cut feedback
Module/Topic
Post-production 3: Moving from rough-cut to fine-cut
Chapter
See Week 10 Study Guide (found on Moodle)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Rough-cut feedback
Module/Topic
Post-production 4: Audio mix, grading and credits
Chapter
See Week 11 Study Guide (found on Moodle)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Fine-cut feedback
Module/Topic
Documentary opportunities
Professional documentary practice
Chapter
See Week 12 Study Guide (found on Moodle)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Practical Assessment
This assessment requires that students create a short pitch video (5-7 mins) and a pitch deck that outlines their intentions for Assessment 2, Short Documentary Project. The pitch video and pitch deck are standard industry requirements to consolidate and test story ideas, assist with planning, and support the development of a style for your completed documentary. This assignment also facilitates early re-engagement with vision, audio and editing skills. Students are also required to provide and receive peer feedback in Week 4 and undertake a self-evaluation using the submission template provided. Creativity and experimentation are encouraged.
Weekly content on the unit website (Moodle) and tutorials will cover the skills and knowledge required to complete this task.
The completed assignment should adhere to the submission requirements provided in the detailed assignment breakdown on the unit website (Moodle).
Week 5 Friday (5 Apr 2024) 11:59 pm AEST
Please submit your completed assignment via Moodle using the submission template provided
Week 6 Friday (19 Apr 2024)
Work will be returned to students within two weeks of their submission
- Comprehensiveness of submission
- Quality of story
- Production plan
- Pathway to audience plan
- Impact
- Presentation
- Self and peer evaluation
Please refer to the unit website (Moodle) for full details on the assessment criteria.
- Integrate a theoretical understanding of documentary practice and audiovisual skills in the creation of a completed documentary project.
- Manage media files and workflow through the stages of development, pre-production, production, post-production and distribution
2 Practical Assessment
This assessment requires that students produce a short documentary of 3-5 minutes duration, to a standard suitable for entry into a nominated film festival. The subject of your documentary can be of your own choosing, but must be about someone other than yourself, although you can appear as an on-screen secondary character. The completed documentary is to include an interview in vision and audio or audio only, accompanying b-roll footage, and a verite scene. You are required to attend a rough-cut screening in Weeks 8 or 9 to receive and give feedback, and complete a reflective self-evaluation using the framework provided in the submission template. Creativity and experimentation are encouraged.
Students are also required to submit industry-standard production documentation which can be found in the Assessment Tile on your unit website (Moodle).
The completed assignment should adhere to the submission requirements provided in the detailed assignment breakdown on the unit website (Moodle).
Review/Exam Week Monday (3 June 2024) 11:49 pm AEST
Please submit your completed assignment via Moodle
Exam Week Friday (14 June 2024)
Work will be returned to students within two weeks of their submission
- Quality of Storytelling
- Research and documentation
- Quality of technical execution
- Creativity
- Impact
- Engagement with peer and reflective self-evaluation
Please refer to the unit website (Moodle) for full details on the assessment criteria.
- Apply documentary editing principles in the creation of a documentary using industry-standard editing software.
- Manage media files and workflow through the stages of development, pre-production, production, post-production and distribution
- Reflect critically on one's own professional documentary practice within an industry-standard ethical framework.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
