FFP1-DS10 Documentary storytelling

FFP1-DS10 Documentary storytelling

  • Course description
    • Course code
      FFP1-DS10
    • Level of study
      5.1
    • Program of study
      Film Production 1
    • Credits
      10
    • Course coordinator
      Therese Jacobsen
Teaching term(s)
2024 Autumn
2025 Spring
About the Course

This course is an introduction to, and an exploration of the documentary film format. The students gain a practical and theoretical understanding of how to make a documentary film. In the course, the student learn about ethical issues that can arise when working with people in real-life situations, and what often distinguishes the methodology in documentary film from the fiction film. The course provides a thorough introduction to the many expressions of documentary film.

Students have a basic understanding of fictional storytelling from previous courses. The understanding of how and why documentary filmmaking is important to a society will strengthen the student’s knowledge and understanding in how to continue developing their stories in the following courses The student also get a visual knowledge that is necessary for further understanding the art of filmmaking.

Course Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes - Knowledge

The candidate:

  • has knowledge of different genres in documentary film
  • has knowledge of different tools and concepts used in documentary film production
  • understands the importance of documentary film in a societal and value-creation perspective, as well as specific challenges associated with these
  • has knowledge of what separates documentary film from fiction film in the different phases of a production
Learning outcomes - Skills

The candidate:

  • can apply research methods to explore various documentary film stories
  • masters production and postproduction equipment in an independent, functional manner to create a desired expression in a documentary film
  • can apply knowledge of different documentary film genres to best convey a documentary film idea
General Competence

The candidate:

  • understands the ethical principles in the documentary film industry and uses these in planning and execution of a documentary film production
  • can develop a documentary film and place it in a documentary film genre
  • can develop work methods in a good and ethically way with various subjects to tell a story
Teaching and Learning

In this course, the following teaching and learning methods can be applied, but are not limited to:

  • Lecture: Educator-led presentations or activities providing knowledge, skills, or general competencies in the subject area.
  • Group work: Collaborative activities where students work together to solve problems or complete tasks.
  • Tutoring: One-on-one or small group sessions with an instructor for personalized guidance and support.
  • Student presentations: Opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding of course material by presenting to peers.
  • Online lessons: Digital content delivered via an online learning platform.
  • Guidance: Individualized advice and direction from instructors to support students in their learning journey.
  • Workshops: Practical sessions focused on hands-on application of theoretical concepts or skills.
  • Self-study: Independent study where students engage with course material on their own without any teacher support.
Assessments
Form of assessmentGrading scaleGroupingDuration of assessment
Course Assignment
Pass / Fail
10 Week(s)
Reading list

Teaching materials, reading lists, and essential resources will be shared in the learning platform and software user manuals where applicable.