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    Overview

    The politics and aesthetics of representing reality through documentary, reality television and social media.

    This paper addresses questions of representation, mediatisation and authenticity in contemporary media. It looks at the cultural politics of documenting reality through film, media and reality television. The course accounts for the history of mediations of reality and addresses contemporary challenges to established definitions, categories and assumptions regarding what it means to represent reality.

    About this paper

    Paper title Documentary and Reality Media
    Subject Media, Film and Communication
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,040.70
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    MFCO 101 or MFCO 102 or MFCO 103 or 54 Arts points
    Restriction
    MFCO 323
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music
    Eligibility

    A basic understanding of film and media analysis.

    Contact
    mfco@otago.ac.nz
    Teaching staff

    Convener and Lecturer: Dr Brett Nicholls

    Paper Structure

    Topics include:

    • Social constructionism and "reality"
    • Realism, mediation and ideology
    • The affects and effects of reality media
    • Reflexive subjects and reality media
    Textbooks

    Course readings will be available on Blackboard.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete this paper will:

    • Communicate effectively in written, visual and verbal form regarding reality media theory and practice.
    • Critically evaluate arguments and positions regarding the functions and effects of reality media.
    • Grasp the ethical issues embedded in the various modes of reality media practice.
    • Demonstrate environmental and general information literacy regarding claims around the presentation of factual data on issues such as social justice within reality media.
    Assessment details

    Assessment:

    • Assignment 1: Concept Test (25%)
    • Assignment 2: Critical Essay (35%)
    • Take Home Exam (40%)

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Film Screening

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Tuesday 15:00-17:50 9-16, 18-22

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Wednesday 15:00-15:50 9-16, 18-22
    Thursday 08:00-08:50 9-16, 18-22

    Tutorial

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Thursday 14:00-14:50 10-16, 18-22
    A2 Friday 11:00-11:50 10-15, 18-22
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