Course Description
An introduction to the study and practice of narrative within digital environments. Students will work independently and collaboratively to analyze and create digital stories. At the end of the semester, students will participate in a Digital Story Showcase to share their work with a public audience.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
In addition to completing the assignments and readings given to
undergraduates, graduate students will produce a more
substantial seminar project accompanied by an equally
substantial scholarly introduction, complete with bibliography
and other scholarly apparatuses, or an electronic portfolio
putting the digital storytelling work within a context of
reflection.
Athena Title
Digital Storytelling
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in ENGL 4837E
Non-Traditional Format
This course is writing intensive, which means that the course will include substantial and ongoing writing assignments that a) relate clearly to course learning; b) teach the communication values of a discipline—for example, its practices of argument, evidence, credibility, and format; and c) prepare students for further writing in their academic work, in graduate school, and in professional life. The written assignments will result in a significant and diverse body of written work (the equivalent of 6000 words or 25 pages) and the instructor (and/or the teaching assistant assigned to the course) will be closely involved in student writing, providing opportunities for feedback and substantive revision.
Undergraduate Prerequisite
One 2000-level ENGL course or one 3000-level ENGL course or one DIGI course
Graduate Prerequisite
Permission of department
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will understand the historical perspectives on and theories relevant to narrative and storytelling. Students will understand the role of digital technologies in shaping and conveying narratives. Students will apply this foundational knowledge to analyzing digital texts. Students will evaluate and work with digital tools and authoring platforms. Students will design and develop digital stories to be shared with a public audience. Students will develop their abilities to work independently and collaboratively, contribute to discussions in class and online, communicate effectively, and think critically and creatively.
Topical Outline
History of Narrative, from oral performance to print publication Narrative Theory and Storytelling (e.g., Gerard Genette, Mieke Bal, Roland Barthes) Critical Technology and Media Theory (e.g., Marshall McLuhan, Janet Murray, N. Katherine Hayles, and Walter Benjamin) Introduction to Analytic and Persuasive Rhetoric Analyzing Experimental Narratives (e.g., Borges, Coover, Cortezar) and examples of electronic literature Analyzing Digital Storytelling in Different Fields and Contexts (Center for Digital Storytelling) Introduction to Digital Storytelling Platforms Storytelling and Images Storytelling and Audio Storytelling and Video Storytelling for a Public Audience
Syllabus