A documentary filmmaker and professor from the University of Southern California will visit Friday through Sunday to discuss autobiographical documentaries and media criticism.Michael Renov, professor of critical studies at USC, is the radio-TV-film department’s Green Honors Chairman.

“Dr. Michael Renov is an internationally-known scholar on the study of documentary,” said Richard Allen, chair of the radio-TV-film department.

Allen said Renov has explored the historical and theoretical frameworks of autobiographical films where the filmmakers themselves take center stage.

“We, as a society, are emerged with the sounds and images of different mediums every day,” said Renov, author of “The Subject of Documentary.” “It is important for us to try and understand these sounds, images and their meanings.”

The radio-TV-film Green Honors Chairman invited Renov for his efforts and contributions in the study of documentary, Allen said.

The Green Honors Chair program’s mission is to have distinguished scholars, scientists and writers come to campus for a few days. During his or her visit, the invited guest will stimulate ideas to both the faculty and students while still keeping the “town and gown” relations with the community, according to the Cecil H. and Ida Green Honors Chair Guidelines.

Renov first visited TCU last semester and discussed the current curriculum of the RTVF department with both faculty and students.

“I came to TCU in the first semester to listen,” Renov said. “I wanted to hear feedback from the faculty and students to make sure that we are using the best curriculum when teaching.”

This semester, Renov will be discussing autobiographical documentary from his latest book, Allen said.

“This will be the first time that students will be able to hear about autobiographical documentary from an academic point of view,” Allen said.

Allen said Renov will also be explaining media criticism.

“He will explain what exactly a media critic does,” Allen said. “Our students have not been exposed to the critical aspect of media.”

It will be a great way for students to learn about the scholarship of media, also, Allen said.

Peter Luby, a senior sociology major and RTVF minor, said he is looking forward to Renov’s visit.