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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
Authors
therese.jacobsen@noroff.no
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.
Reading list

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

Assessments
Form of assessmentGrading scaleGroupingDuration of assessment
Course Assignment
Pass / Fail
10 Week(s)