Program Overview
This “hands-on” class focuses on the art of documentary production. Students will learn how to write and produce documentary films. Students will learn about different modes, styles, and types of documentary filmmaking. With this knowledge of documentary’s narrative and creative potential, students will then work in groups to propose, film and edit short films based on local, social and environmental issues as well as cultural events. Students will travel all over these multicultural islands and interview local Trinidadians and Tobagonians while making their films. They will also have the opportunity to participate in numerous field trips. Past activities have included four day visit to Tobago, the Tobago Heritage Festival, Turtle Watching, Glass Bottom Boat Trips, Snorkeling at Angel Reef, Buccoo Reef and swimming in the Nylon Pool, hikes to the Nariva Wetlands, Asa Wright Nature Center (bird watching and rain forest), waterfalls, the Gasparee Caves, trips to Trinidad’s Pitch Lake and the Waterloo Temple.
Quotes from participants in Documentary Filmmaking 2009:
"I learned a lot about documentaries—things I never knew. I don’t think I can watch a documentary in the same way anymore. I will be thinking about all the work and time it took."
"It showed me that there are different types and modes of film that have a long historical background."
"I liked learning about the different foods and traditions/celebrations."
"I didn’t know I could learn so much in four weeks."
Courses
AAS 168. Black Documentary: Theory and Practice (4 units)
A study of Black documentary history and understanding of the use of the documentary form for political purposes. A discussion of documentary theory. Each student, singly or in a team, will create and carefully edit a documentary project. Offered in alternate years. GE credit: ArtHum, Div.
And
African American and African Studies 198 - Directed Group Study (4 units) (P/NP grading only.)
Find full course descriptions in the
UC Davis General Catalog. Note: in many cases prerequisites are waived by consent of instructor. Students who are unsure if they meet prerequisites are encouraged to contact the instructor or Summer Abroad staff. For more information on prerequisites for UC Davis courses, visit the
Academics section of the Summer Abroad website.