U students may soon have a chance at fame by producing their own documentaries.
Four U professors have teamed up to create a new minor in documentary studies. The minor, which has been in the works for about three years, is waiting approval from the Utah State Board of Regents.
If it is finalized in May, it will become available for enrollment next fall.
Craig Denton, who is leading the project, said the minor will accommodate a broad array of student interests because the minor is cross-listed in four different departments.
"Students can focus their documentaries in still photography, English, architecture design or film," said Denton, who is also a professor in communication.
A student can also put forms of expression together and create a Web site, as long as the focus of the site is the documentation of a story, he said.
Brain Patrick, professor in film studies, said that film documentaries have gained interest from students because of the increased popularity of the Sundance Film Festival.
"Students will get the chance to learn the put all the elements together to make a documentary," Patrick said. "Hopefully, students will learn that documentaries are not just about Sundance, but about art."
Peter Goss, professor of architecture, said that because the minor is so diverse, students should sign up despite what their major might be.
"(Students) will learn how other disciplines approach the documentary process whether they are an anthropology, communication, history or film-studies major," Goss said. "Hopefully this will allow them to become better documentarians."
Additionally, the minor will feature a list of faculty mentors that will work with students apart from the required courses.
Goss hopes the minor will help students become more attractive to documentary corporations after graduation.
"Students may end up working in a variety of fields in which this minor may be of assistance," Goss said. "This can range from radio to television, film, communication, architecture, folklore and the social sciences."
