Module: CCO4100-20 Digital Storytelling

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: David Webb

Module Tutor Contact Details: d.webb@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Digital Storytelling introduces a variety of media making techniques and approaches to interactivity that serve storytelling. You receive a primer in digital media production, and explore a range of digital narratives (e.g. web-based stories, alternative reality games, animated explainer videos) that are designed to inform, persuade or entertain. Technical sessions are complimented by an overview of the design and development process – from idea generation and contextualisation to artefact creation and testing. Here you encounter theories and best practice around media research, collaborative working, peer feedback and reflective writing.

2. Outline syllabus:

Topics covered in Digital Storytelling include:

The fundamentals of storytelling

Contextualising ideas

Critical review

Analysis of visual design

Image making (still and moving)

Audio capture and editing

Non-linear narratives and interactivity

Story tropes

Virtual reality

Augmented reality games

Animation for information

IP, copyright and Creative Commons

Basic game-making

3. Teaching and learning activities:

Class Hours

Digital Storytelling is delivered across seminar and workshop sessions. Seminar sessions introduce key technologies for digital storytelling, facilitate discussion around exemplar pieces of art, design and digital creativity, and encourage you to consider the wider societal and cultural impact of digital media. Workshop sessions offer primers in several software packages, reveal key production strategies, and challenge individuals and small teams to create artefacts that respond to seminar topics.

Independent Learning

Module content is deliberately broad in order to expose a range of digital storytelling tools and approaches. For this reason, we do not spend too long working with any one software package. You should therefore utilise individual study time to extend your knowledge of the tools and techniques encountered in Digital Storytelling. You’ll often receive tasks to complete outside of class, which are then critiqued by both tutors and peers at the following session. This critique should not worry you – it is constructive, supportive, and designed to help you improve your work as you move through the module.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Non-linear Story

• % Weighting: 30%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Storytelling Portfolio

• % Weighting: 70%