Specialization in Documentary (Bachelor of Arts in Media)

Students on Summer 2019, Fall 2019, or Spring 2020 requirements MDAS07

Requirements

The specialization requires at least 9 credit hours, including the requirements listed below.

Theory. One (1) course:
- MSCH-D 413 Global Screen Cultures (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-F 326 Authorship in the Media (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-F 392 Media Genres (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-F 420 Topics in Media History (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-F 445 Media, Culture, and Politics (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
MSCH-D 413 Global Screen Cultures
Credits
3
Prerequisites
None
Description
Covers electronic media\'s role in altering perceptions of time, space, locality, and identity. Explores changing economic, political, and cultural relations in the global media environment. Topics vary and may include global media events, trans-border information flows, cultural differences in media forms and practices.
Repeatability
May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
- Summer 2025CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2025CASE SHcourse
  
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
MSCH-F 326 Authorship in the Media
Credits
3
Prerequisites
None
Description
Topic varies: in-depth analysis of directors, producers, or creative individuals in the media, viewed as 'authors.'
Repeatability
May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourse
  
  Spring 2025CASE AHcourse
  
  Fall 2024CASE AHcourse
MSCH-F 392 Media Genres
Credits
3
Prerequisites
None
Description
Topic varies. Analysis of typical genres, such as westerns, situation comedies, documentaries, etc. Problems of generic description or definition: themes, conventions, iconography peculiar to given genres.
Repeatability
May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours in CMCL-C 392 and MSCH-F 392.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourse
  
  Spring 2025CASE AHcourse
  
  Fall 2024CASE AHcourse
MSCH-F 420 Topics in Media History
Credits
3
Prerequisites
None
Description
Media historiography, topics in national media history, national and international movements and trends. Topic varies.
Repeatability
May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours in CMCL-C 420 and MSCH-F 420.
- Summer 2025CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2025CASE SHcourse
  
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
MSCH-F 445 Media, Culture, and Politics

Credits
3
Prerequisites
None
Description
Examines the role of media in the political process. Topic varies and may include censorship and free speech, social movements, politics of representation.
Repeatability
May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours in CMCL-C 445 or MSCH-F 445.
Electives. Two (2) courses:
- Additional course from the Theory list
- MSCH-J 360 Journalism Specialties (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-J 362 Journalism Multimedia Storytelling
- MSCH-J 460 Topics Colloquium (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-P 344 Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking: Theory & Practice
- MSCH-P 434 Advanced Documentary Filmmaking: Theory & Practice
- MSCH-P 435 Advanced Documentary Workshop
- MSCH-V 334 Current Topics in Media (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-V 470 Issues in Media (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-X 472 Media Internship approved internship at IU Libraries Moving Image Archive for three (3) credit hours
- MSCH-X 478 Field Experience in Media (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
MSCH-J 360 Journalism Specialties

Credits
1–4 credit hours
Prerequisites
None
Description
Topical course dealing with changing subjects and material from term to term.
Repeatability
May be repeated for credit with different topics in JOUR-J 360 and MSCH-J 360.

MSCH-J 362 Journalism Multimedia Storytelling

Credits
3
Prerequisites
A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 250 or MSCH-C 226; or consent of instructor
Description
Provides hands-on experiences in reporting, editing and presenting stories through images, sound, and spoken word. Goes beyond the basics skills to work with advanced cameras and software. Explores the use of emerging technologies for delivering truth to audiences of various types of media.

MSCH-J 460 Topics Colloquium

Credits
1–4 credit hours
Prerequisites
At least junior standing; or consent of instructor
Description
Topical seminar in journalism dealing with changing subjects and materials from term to term.
Repeatability
May be repeated for credit up to 4 times.

MSCH-P 344 Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking: Theory & Practice

Credits
3
Prerequisites
A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 229; or consent of instructor
Description
Explores the variety of documentary film practice. Examines fundamental issues, styles, and techniques (realism, voice, ethics, observation, interview, re-enactment, etc.) through hands-on exercises, screenings, discussions, lectures, and the production of a short form documentary
Repeatability
Credit given for only one of MSCH-P 344 or MSCH-P 433.

MSCH-P 434 Advanced Documentary Filmmaking: Theory & Practice

Credits
3
Prerequisites
C- or higher in MSCH-C 223; and MSCH-C228 or MSCH-C 229; or consent of instructor
Description
Focuses on the development and production of a larger scale documentary, including research, story development, writing, filming, and editing.

MSCH-P 435 Advanced Documentary Workshop

Credits
3
Prerequisites
C- or higher in MSCH-P 335 or MSCH-P 344 or MSCH-P 360; or consent of instructor
Description
Focuses on collaborative production of a substantial documentary. Employs advanced, specialized procedures, theories, and skills involved in professional production, including research, investigative techniques, production design, cinematography, sound, post-production, writing, and rights clearance.

MSCH-V 334 Current Topics in Media

Credits
1–3 credit hours
Prerequisites
None
Description
Analysis of selected problems in media studies. Topics vary each semester.
Repeatability
May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

MSCH-V 470 Issues in Media

Credits
3
Prerequisites
None
Description
Seminar exploring new developments and advanced research in media.
Repeatability
May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 9 credit hours.

MSCH-X 472 Media Internship

Credits
1–3 credit hours
Prerequisites
At least junior standing; at least 12 credit hours completed in the school; and application for internship credit approved by the school
Notes
Application is available on the Media School website
Description
Faculty-supervised work in a media field related to student's academic interests. Credits based on at least 45 work hours per credit hour with a maximum of 6 credit hours applied toward the B.A. in Media or the B.S. in Game Design. Student must write a critical analysis paper and be evaluated by a workplace supervisor.
Repeatability
May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours in CMCL-C 382, MSCH-I 382, MSCH-I 497, MSCH-X 472, or TEL-T 497.
Grading
S/F grading.

MSCH-X 478 Field Experience in Media

Credits
4
Prerequisites
Application for internship credit approved by the school
Notes
Application is available on the Media School website
Description
Topical course integrating classroom and field experience. Includes 10-day field experience during or after term offered. Field experience will change based on topic.
Repeatability
May be repeated for credit with different topics in JOUR-J 418, MSCH-J 418, and MSCH-X 478.
Specialization GPA, Hours, and Minimum Grade Requirements.
1. Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the specialization.
2. A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the specialization—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
3. Exceptions to specialization requirements may be made with the approval of the department's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.