Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Someone once told me that a preacher has to tell good stories, but a good storyteller doesn’t need to preach.
All the research, data and projections in the world won’t move the average person to act.
If you want to engage people in a lasting way, especially on an emotional level, you need to tell them an unforgettable story.
In this course you will learn to shape your passion/research/experiences into narratives; narratives complete with things like character, dramatic structure, subtext and conflict; narrative that will grip your audience and won’t let them go.
Credits: 3
Schedule: 12.01.2021 - 16.02.2021
Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Maria Villa Largacha
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Kevin McCarthy, Maria Villa Largacha
Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):
CEFR level (applies in this implementation):
Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):
Teaching language: English
Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
While we will explore narrative primarily through the framework of nature, being able to tell a captivating story is a great skill to have, no matter your discipline or background.
The best way to learn about Story is through stories—reflecting on what makes particular stories come alive, what makes them effective, what makes them memorable.
We will delve into, and discuss, examples of nature as a source of conflict, a source of epiphany and a source of suspense. Nature as character, nature as setting, nature as measure and nature as means to set the mood/tone of a narrative. We will look at nature as a metaphor, as a mirror and as a stand-in for the gods and/or our own demons.
By dissecting great stories about nature, and great stories that use nature in some story-significant way, we will learn what we can from them in terms of becoming better storytellers ourselves.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Attendance 10%, Class participation/lecture prep activities 50%, final project 40%
Workload
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Lectures 18h, Individual work/reading to prepare for lectures 50 h, Preparations for final projects 10 h
DETAILS
Study Material
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Print outs and/or digital copies of short fiction, novel excerpts, poems, creative nonfiction, articles and essays will be provided.
Prerequisites
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
No prerequisites
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals
13 Climate Action
17 Partnerships for the Goals
- Teacher: McCarthy Kevin
- Teacher: Villa Largacha Maria