UWAS-C0062 - Storytelling in the Time of Global Warming, Lecture, 14.1.2022-25.2.2022

Guest access
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: 14.01.2022 - 25.02.2022

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Tim Smith

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    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 for whole curriculum period:

    Attendance 10%, Class participation/lecture prep activities 50%, final project 40%

Workload

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Lectures 18h, Individual work/reading to prepare for lectures 50 h, Preparations for final projects 10 h

DETAILS

Study Material

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Print outs and/or digital copies of short fiction, novel excerpts, poems, creative nonfiction, articles and essays will be provided.

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    13 Climate Action

    17 Partnerships for the Goals

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Period:

    2020-2021 Spring III

    2021-2022 Spring III

    Course Homepage: https://mycourses.aalto.fi/course/search.php?search=UWAS-C0062

    Registration for Courses: Sisu replaces Oodi on 9 August, 2021. Priority order to courses is according to the order of priority decided by the Academic committee for School of Arts, Design and Architecture: https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/registering-to-courses-and-the-order-of-priority-in-aalto-arts

    WebOodi

Rules of Conduct - Students´ Rights and Responsibilities (in force from 1 August 2020)

Aalto University Code of Academic Integrity and Handling Violations Thereof