Certificate in Documentary Production

The certificate in documentary production is designed to give students from all academic disciplines within the university an opportunity to explore the theory and practice of documentary production and documentary film studies.

Students will complete courses in media production focusing on the documentary, classes in the history of documentary film and media, and courses that support the theoretical foundations of documentary studies in such areas as anthropology and media studies.

Learning Outcomes

Successful graduates of this program will be able to:

• Acquire knowledge of the history of international documentary filmmaking;
• Acquire production skills to research, write, film, edit and distribute documentary productions in moving image media;
• Understand the theoretical foundations of documentary filmmaking in other academic disciplines, including anthropology and media studies.

Certificate Requirements

• 21 credit hours

Required Courses

In addition a minimum of 12 credit hours are to be chosen from the following (6 credit hours from the following production course list AND 6 credit hours from the following theory course list):

Production Courses - 6 credit hours

Theory Courses - 6 credit hours

ANSO 2030 Culture and Communication (3)

Begins with the concept of culture as a means of communicating with others, not only language but with manners, etiquette, dress, rituals and ceremonials, gesture and movement--the entire system of symbols and signs that provide meaning for human behavior. Explores a variety of issues in cross-cultural communication, language use, and symbolic systems.

BJRN 3580 Radio News Reporting and Production (3)

Students apply principles and techniques of radio broadcast journalism in a production setting. Students write, report, edit, and present newscasts and public affairs programs on the Webster University radio station. Students learn to apply broadcast journalism theories within this laboratory setting. Lab time is required at a radio station. Prerequisite: BJRN 2850. May be repeated for credit.

FLST 3170 Topics in Documentary Film Studies (3)

This course deals with topics related to film theory and criticism pertaining to documentary films. Classes may focus on genre, individual artists, specific studio or historical eras, and film in other cultures. Prerequisite: FLST 1800 OR FLST 2060 OR permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit, if content differs. 

HRTS 3160 Human Rights in Film: Documentaries (3)

We'll look at and talk about films and videos that explore serious human rights concerns. In doing so, along with reading and writing about the films--and the situations or problems depicted in them--we should learn a fair bit about these specific films, documentary films in general, the situations depicted, human rights, and the human condition. Each film will be discussed in terms of the human rights issues raised; relevant international human rights standards; appropriate historical, philosophical, and political background; and the methods used by the filmmakers to get their messages across. Cross-listed with FILM 3160 and PHIL 3110. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

ISTL 3500 Advanced Topics in International Studies (3)

Allows students to pursue advanced studies in international studies or one of its subfields. Subject matter varies from semester to semester. Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisites: ISTL 1000 and ISTL 1100.

JOUR 2070 History of Broadcasting (3)

Students learn the principles, events, and trends that characterize the broadcasting industry in America, including organization, structure, economics, technological developments, news and entertainment programming, audience research and public policy, regulation, and future directions.

JOUR 2380 Free Expression and the First Amendment (3)

Students learn the history and application of free expression and the First Amendment, the various areas of free speech, and the pressures to limit such expression. Included are the areas of political dissent, hate speech, funding of the arts, prior restraint, and wartime restrictions.

JOUR 3080 Global Journalism (3)

Students learn strategies and techniques used by the United States and foreign countries in the management of domestic and international news. Students listen to and evaluate shortwave broadcasts from world capitals, including Moscow, London, and Beijing. Students learn the different philosophies of freedom of the press operating in international and American news media. May be repeated for credit, if taken at an international campus.

JOUR 3120 Global Affairs Reporting (3)

Students learn the role of the foreign correspondent and the structure and importance of global news organizations. Students also examine current international issues and global trouble spots, analyzing how events are covered both in the U.S. media and non-U.S. media. Prerequisite: MEDC 1010.

JOUR 3190 Topics in International Journalism (3)

This course focuses on a particular facet of international media. Content may vary from semester to semester. For example, it may focus on the British Media System and History one semester, while focusing on Press Freedom from Lenin to Yeltsin in another. Prerequisite: JOUR 3080 OR permission of the instructor.

MEDC 4950 Professional Media Practicum (3-8)

Provides an internship placement that offers supervised professional experience in audio production, broadcast and print journalism, photography, public relations and advertising/marketing communications, interactive media, animation, video and film. In addition to field placement, students attend regular seminars and write observations and analysis of their internship experience.

Prerequisites: Students generally do internships during the senior year after initial portfolio review and must have permission of advisor and instructor. (Students may earn no more than a total of 8 credit hours for internships during their program at the University.)

PHIL 3110 Philosophy and Film (3)

Philosophic problems will be approached through their presentation in selected films. Emphasizes the discovery of philosophic commitments and claims in the works studied; the defensibility of those commitments and claims; and film as a mode of presentation for philosophic ideas. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

PHOT 2500 Photojournalism (3)

Students combine practical assignments in newspaper and magazine photography with critical analysis of how photographs produce outstanding news and feature stories. Prerequisite: PHOT 2000 OR permission of the instructor.

PHOT 3760 Topics in Editorial Photography (3)

Specific topics are offered on a rotating basis. Topics have included photo reportage, shooting for publication (lifestyle and food, arts and entertainment). May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisites: PHOT 2500; PHOT 3190.

VIDE 1810 Video Production I (3)

Using digital video cameras and non-linear editing tools, students will learn the technological, aesthetic, and theoretical basics of creating motion media. The course offers a broad overview of how and why to use video equipment creatively and evocatively to complete several different types of project, based upon real-world applications of the medium.

VIDE 3060 Advanced Video Production (3)

Provides students an opportunity to extend production skills using single-camera technique. The primary emphasis is the completed production. Prerequisites: MEDC 1500 AND VIDE 2520.

VIDE 4251 Documentary Video Production (3)

Students learn the format, history, and production of the documentary. Students screen a variety of international works produced by the directors most responsible for shaping the development of this genre. Each student is responsible for producing a short documentary using single-camera techniques and online editing. Prerequisite: VIDE 2520.