Documentary Sociology

In this course we will consider how documentaries can bring the “sociological imagination” to life by using video and audio to link individual troubles with social issues and personal biography with historical context. Through readings and viewings, we will spend the first third of the class discussing the potential and limitations of the documentary form to illustrate sociological concepts. Students will develop a proposal for their own short video or audio documentary that they will then work on throughout the semester. Students must be willing to spend significant time outside of class on their documentary and to provide constructive feedback on each other’s developing projects in class. The course will culminate in a public presentation of the finished projects. No prior experience or coursework in video or audio production is required. 3 hr. sem,