I have really mixed reviews on this class:

I enjoyed most of the films screened, but I wish there was a bit more diversity (most films are from the UK and US), since it is important to give others a voice in telling their own story in documentaries.

Brook doesn't really "believe in" trigger warnings - even for films including heavy rape references. He really fails to check himself as a white, male throughout the class in his analysis of film, and this is especially important in the realm of documentary. I guess this is really a problem with the UCLA film department in general, though, since I have had many teachers like this.

Great class if you're interested in documentary or even if you're not!
Class all depends on your TA since they do all the grading, and Dr. Brook doesn't lecture that much. Lots of readings and the book is crazy overpriced! Find people to split the cost with, because it's online.

Selling the books for this class:

A New History of Documentary Film

Documenting the Documentary

Contact:
NAME: Hannah Romero
#: **********
EMAIL: Romero.H*************

Overall, it was a great class. I got my perspective changed on documentary films and turned out to really enjoy and love the genre of films. Class consisted of the midterm, term paper, and final, and everyday was powerpoint slides and then a screening of a film. It was a very long class, but also very good.

I took this class as an elective and ended up dropping it. I came into the class 2 weeks late, so by default it was going to be difficult to catch up. I found this class had more reading than anticipated and was very technical. It focussed less on the history and social impacts and more on the methods of production.

If you're not a film major, this can be challenging.

really fun class, make sure to participate in sections. the reading was a bit overwhelming since there was so much of it. selling the books
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Definitely would take this class again--loved the films, completely changed my perspective on what doc film truly is. Although there is a lot of reading (from the textbooks and the course reader) if you can generally stay on top of that and pay attention during lecture/ discussion, an A is certainly attainable which is great for a 6 unit class. Try to show up for class and stay awake (since it is a 9 am 4 hr class haha) for the most part since some of the films can't be found online. Also definitely make friends with your TA and ask them for help on your papers and etc. since they are the ones that'll essentially determine your grade.

Selling the textbooks for the class:

A New History of Documentary Film $25
Documenting the Documentary $20

email me or text me if interested Cyntia Melero:
*************
**********

I am very glad, I took this class. History of Documentary Film was so interesting. Some of the first short films will be a bit boring as there is no audio. However, the films get very interesting (there might be some that are more difficult to watch) but overall I am glad to have been exposed to these films. There was so much reading assigned, and I could not keep up. The midterm and quizzes are really doable but it is just hard when you don't actually know all the readings! Thankfully a study guide is given for both the midterm and final exam with terms, films and readings that the TAs recommend you to do as the minimum and they are so helpful because then you review those. I would recommend keeping really good notes about every film and re-watching films that you will be tested on. Then filling out your study guide will be easier to fill out. TIP for the midterm and final: make sure to reference a lot of scenes from the movies watched. Also, the essay for this class is quite easy in terms of grading and it is really easy to get an A as long as you follow the requirements from your TA. Very easy to get a B with minimal work. I was surprised I got an A-.

This was the last course I took as a UCLA undergraduate student and it was well worth it.

Some of the documentaries are boring (others just downright weird), but the majority of them were incredibly powerful and brought me to tears. Discussing them in papers and discussion was actually stimulating; not your typical, boring discussion sections.

In a more practical sense, you must keep up with the readings to do well. They give you the ammo you need to do well in the essay questions on exams (even if you didn't actually watch the film you're writing about).

That said, I'm selling the books required for this course (the course reader, "A History of Documentary Film," and "Documenting the Documentary") as a bundle for $100. They're in perfect condition with no writing in them or damage whatsoever.

Text me at ********** if you're interested. I'll meet you on campus.

This class is actually pretty interesting. I was exposed to a lot of subjects I would not have looked into on my own accord. However, there is a lot of reading involved every week.

The midterm and final are EASY. They literally give you a study guide for what they'll be asking you.

If you stay on top of things, it's easy to get an A.

If you're interested, I have the two textbooks and course reader FOR SALE.

Individually --> Documenting the Documentary $26
A New History of Documentary Film $31
Course Reader $50

They're all in good condition (no writing except maybe one or two lines of highlighter). I'll sell them as a bundle for $50. Let me know if you only want some or one of the items.

contact me through text or call at **********