COML5934 - The Politics of Truth in the Global Documentary

This course is a study of documentary film practices internationally, beginning from the invention of cinema and ending in the contemporary landscape. It analyzes how documentary worldwide serves a paradoxical function: both a testament to the power of the "real," and a critique of its representation. The class thus challenges preconceived notions of a medium often connected to "cinema-truth." This class will also pay special attention to the intersection of documentary and politics to think through how the art of documentary has been historically instrumental for revolutionary politics, while also deeply complicit in fascist regimes. The course will include short writing assignments as well as a critical-creative project. The course is suitable for both graduate students and advanced undergraduate students, and advanced undergraduate students are more than welcome to apply. For more information, please visit: https://www.english.upenn.edu/courses/graduate