This unit explores documentary genres in film, television and the digital environment. It looks at varied social, historical, political, personal and experimental works. The main focus is on Australian documentaries made since the 1980s, many of which are produced by independent filmmakers and reach wide audiences through television. The recent Australian experience is seen in the context of international documentary traditions and developments. The unit does not include technical film or television production but considers methods of research and writing for developing documentary ideas, as part of its approach to studying documentary forms and practices. Students therefore have the option of writing all assessments in essay form, or combining essay work with a creative project in which they undertake research to develop an idea in the accepted form of a written documentary 'treatment'.