This dual M.A. program is designed for the student who is interested in the related disciplines of history and documentary filmmaking. The program teaches the methodologies of historical research, proposal and script writing and production. Attention will also be given to the commercial realities of documentary film distribution.

A number of factors combine to make this program an important addition to Syracuse University’s Maxwell and Newhouse Schools.  

We live in a content-hungry Digital Age.  The Internet, Cable television, Direct TV, PODS, ZUNES, media on-screens in classrooms and home entertainment centers have created an enormous demand for new, engaging programs, especially documentaries.

The Digital Age has also brought on changes in how films are produced.  Relatively inexpensive cameras and computer-based, non-linear editing systems make it possible for small groups of people to create professional documentary films with relatively small budgets.

In this climate, we see the need for a masters degree program for students interested in research, writing, production, and distribution of non-fiction films. 

Curriculum

The program begins during summer session, when students take TRF 655 (Television Practices), HST 802 (Modes of Analysis in History) and DFH  610 (DFH Colloquium).  In TRF 655 students learn how stories are written and produced for the screen and are introduced to digital recording and editing technologies.  In HST 802 students learn the various theoretical approaches and methodological principles in historical research. In the one-credit colloquium students view, discuss, and critique important documentary films and their contributions to the literature. 

During the fall semester students again enroll in the DFH colloquium, which features screenings and lectures by visiting documentary film makers.  They also take TRF 527 (Documentary Production) and TRF 611 (Dramatic Writing for Television and Film).  In the former, they learn and practice the crafts of documentary treatment writing, shooting, editing, and post-production. In the latter, they learn and practice the craft of screenwriting.  During the fall they also enroll in either HST 615 (Oral History Workshop) or ANT 682 (Life Histories and Other Personal Narratives).   These courses are designed to introduce students to the theory and practice of oral histories, their reliability as sources, and how to conduct interviews.   During the fall, students also begin to acquire specialized knowledge in their chosen field of expertise by enrolling in a three-credit graduate history course numbered 500 or higher.  For example, a student interested in the history of the First and Second World Wars might enroll in HST 615 (The World at War, 1914-1918, 1939-1945).

In the spring semester, students enroll in a three-credit cross-listed History/DFH 695, Historical Narratives and Interpretations.  In this course students examine six case studies of historical texts that have been brought to the screen. Students also enroll in a second history course related to their area of specialization, TRF 637 (Communications Law) and a third DFH Colloquium, where they begin to plan their capstone project.     

In the final summer of the program, students participate in an internship and produce their capstone project.