CRWR 2015: Storytelling & Rites of Passage
(4 Credits)
Course Description:
Family narratives provide a profound sense of self, family, tradition, and place. Writing family stories offers a creative means to explore family structures, loyalties, and identity formation. This course examines the connection of self with the rites, rituals, values, beliefs, and intergenerational relationships conveyed through family stories.
Course Objectives:
Understand the significance of family narratives in shaping individual and collective identities.
Explore the role of rites and rituals in family stories.
Develop skills in writing and analyzing family narratives.
Examine the impact of intergenerational relationships on family dynamics.
Reflect on personal family stories and their influence on self-identity.
Learning Activities:
This course is divided into several learning modules with Open Educational Resources (OERS) of freely accessible readings and/or video viewings. Students will engage in three individual appointments, write three module response papers, and complete a final project. All written work will be emailed directly to the faculty member. Due dates and term calendar will be determined in the initial appointment meeting. This will be individually determined between the student and faculty member.
Assignments and Grading:
3 Individual Appointments - 10% of final grade
3 Module Response Papers - 60% of final grade
Final Project - 30% of final grade
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Individual Appointments:
Students will participate in three appointments with the instructor related to each module.
Students will be asked to sign up for an appointment based on posted schedule link or at the end of the previous appointment.
Module Response Papers:
Using the module materials, you will be asked to write a 2-3 page reflection on the materials addressing the specific questions in each module. These papers should focus on depth of analysis rather than a summary of the course materials.
Final Project:
Your final project should build upon your learning in the course and capture the spirit and essence of the course as a whole. You are encouraged to design a project that is meaningful to you both personally and professionally.
You have several options to consider:
You could write a traditional scholarly essay analyzing course topics.
You could analyze several stories about rites of passages.
You could write a story that epitomizes family narratives about rites of passage.
The project parameters are limited only by your imagination and approval by the instructor.
Length: Contingent upon project form, but roughly equivalent to an 8-10-page scholarly essay (2000-2500 words, not including works cited/references).
Storytelling is compelling whether you are the teller or the receiver of the story. There are commonalities in stories. There are beginnings, middles, and ends. There are characters. There are story arcs. There are lessons to be learned.
In this module, we explore storytelling from multiple angles, focusing on effective storytelling principles and how we express ourselves through the stories we tell. We'll delve into what makes a story compelling as highlighted by filmmaker Andrew Stanton in his TED Talk. Stanton emphasizes the importance of engaging your audience, evoking wonder, and drawing from personal experiences to craft your narratives. This approach not only enhances your storytelling skills but also prepares you for creating meaningful final projects that incorporate setting, characters, narrative arcs, and emotions.
By engaging with various resources, including the "Pixar in a Box" series, you'll gain insights into storytelling elements that transcend mediums, useful not just in filmmaking but in personal and professional contexts as well. This comprehensive approach ensures that you understand the impact of storytelling and the ethical considerations it entails.
What you will also want to understand what Sisonke Msimang emphasizes in her TedTalk about the power and limitations of storytelling. She argues that while stories are crucial for inspiring empathy and change, they are not magical and require action to make a real impact. Msimang encourages the audience to not only be moved by stories but also to act on the emotions they evoke, using personal anecdotes and examples from her life to illustrate how stories have driven social change. This talk challenges viewers to move beyond passive consumption of narratives towards active participation and advocacy. We will loop back to this concept for the first reflection you will write.
Principles and Practices of Storytelling
“The best stories evoke wonder” (Stanton).
In the TedTalk by filmmaker Andrew Stanton, he shares his perspectives on what makes a great story. Among the key elements he discusses are the concepts of making the audience care, evoking wonder, and using what you know to tell your stories.
Stanton shares not only the personal story of his life, but he also tells it backwards from what brought him to the Ted stage to the circumstances of the beginning of his life. He weaves many threads of his personal story, scenes from his movies, lessons learned from storytelling, creating not only a wonderful presentation, but he also lays the foundation of what I want you to consider about storytelling as you explore the questions of:
· What stories do you want to tell?
· What stories of you own experiences will your share?
· What stories will you create this term for you final projects?
Setting, characters, narrative arcs, emotions, compelling themes are just some of the elements that are part of storytelling. In different contexts and mediums, these and other elements are combined to build a story. As you read through and view the materials in each of the modules, reflect upon what stories or storytelling elements speak the loudest to you. Take notes as you are learning about storytelling to aid you in planning and executing of the final project and all the other assignments along the way.
While Stanton’s talk and the next resource focus on filmmaking, you can think beyond film in the stories you will create here as well as in your personal and even future professional lives. I will highlight the more universal components as they relate to storytelling versus those that specifically relate to storytelling as part of filmmaking or animation in the readings and viewings listed below.
Learning from Pixar in a Box
I encourage you to look at the storytelling elements in this “Pixar in a Box” content, but I have highlighted some specific lesson content and activities listed under the unit titles below.
Unit: The art of storytelling
· VIEW – Your favorite stories (you do not have to do the activity on your 3 favorite films)
· COMPLETE - Lesson 1 – We are all storytellers
o Activity 1 – Expressing memories
· VIEW – Advice from storytellers
Unit: Introduction to structure
· VIEW – Introduction to structure
· VIEW – Story spine
· VIEW – Theme
· VIEW – Advice on story structure
Building on what you learned from the videos from “Pixar in a Box” (which focused on the universal elements of storytelling as they relate to animation and fiction), there are different things to think about when telling stories based on real people and events. These two sites are great resources for examples of different kinds of digital storytelling:
StoryCenter – an organization that promotes healing, growth, and social change by creating spaces for listening to and sharing stories.
StoryCorps – an organization dedicated to sharing and preserving stories to build connections between people and “create a more just and compassionate world”.
Required Readings/Viewings
“How to Tell Your 'Story of Self'" by Bill Moyers (2013)
"What is Public Narrative: Self, Us & Now" by Marshall Ganz (2009)
"Storytelling That Moves People" by Bronwyn Fryer (2003)
(2018) Will Storr's TEDxTalk - The Science of Storytelling
(2012) Andrew Stanton's TedTalk - The clues to a great story
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Module 1 - Reflection Paper
Using the materials in this module and your own insights, examine the concept of storytelling and personal narratives using both Sisonle Msimang's story from The Moth Presents and America Ferrera's TedTalk to help guide you in your response.
Sisonle Msimang's story can be seen as an example of a lesson she learned about the power of listening. She asserts that sitting and being with people in silence is and act of bearing witness vs. "fixing" things is a form of action. America Ferrera's TedTalk focuses on how she embraced her identity as a source of strength rather than viewing it as a barrier. Ferrera encourages viewers to see their unique backgrounds as superpowers that can inspire change and bring new perspectives to any field, particularly in industries that lack diversity.
In a 2-3 page paper, write your own story of a lesson you have learned and/or your own superpower.
Introduction to Family Narratives & Stories of Rites of Passage
In her TED Talk, Elizabeth Gruebel discusses the profound impact that family stories have on individuals and communities. As a therapist and a lover of stories, Gruebel emphasizes how sharing personal histories not only strengthens family bonds but also supports emotional and psychological well-being. She explores the roles that such narratives play in shaping identities and values, arguing that storytelling is a powerful tool for building resilience and fostering understanding across generations.
Elizabeth Gruebel’s exploration of the power of family stories underscores the deep emotional and communal impacts of storytelling, setting the stage to understand another fundamental aspect of human culture and personal development: rites of passage. Rites of passage are special ceremonies that mark important stages in a person's life as they grow up and take on new roles in their families and communities. These ceremonies help celebrate big changes like the birth of a child, becoming a teenager, getting married, or even remembering loved ones who have passed away. According to the scholarship of Arnold van Gennep, the ethnographer and folklorist who coined the term "rite of passage", these rituals are universally structured in three phases: separation, transition (liminality), and incorporation.
Separation: During this phase, individuals are detached from their current state or identity, beginning their transition. This stage involves rituals that symbolically strip individuals of their previous roles, preparing them for passage into a new phase.
Transition (Liminality): This is the transitional phase where individuals have left one place or state but have not yet entered or joined the next. They are often considered marginal or "betwixt and between" the phases defined by their community's structure. During this stage, individuals might undergo various tests or acquire new knowledge and skills necessary for their new role.
Incorporation: In the final stage, individuals re-enter society with their new status. They are accepted and recognized in their new role or identity through specific rituals and ceremonies that affirm their new place within the community.
Van Gennep's exploration of the rites of passage helps explain how societies maintain stability and continuity despite the inevitable changes that occur over time. His work remains a foundational text in the study of human cultures and their ceremonies.
This understanding of rites of passage not only applies to literal events but also enriches the narrative depth in storytelling by providing a framework for character development and plot progression.
The connection between rites of passage and family narratives or storytelling is powerful because it not only marks the transition from one stage of life to another but also embeds the individual within the continuum of past and future generations of their families. This blending of ritual and narrative helps individuals understand their place in the world and the responsibilities that come with it.
"The Stories That Bind Us" discusses the impact of family narratives on children's resilience and sense of identity. Bruce Feiler, who authored the piece, highlights research that demonstrates children who are well-versed in their family histories are typically more resilient and deal better with stress. These children often feel they belong to something larger than themselves, which enhances their self-esteem and overall emotional health.
The research, conducted by psychologists such as Marshall Duke and Robyn Fivush, introduced the "Do You Know?" scale, which asks children questions about their family history. This scale strongly correlated with children's emotional well-being and happiness. The article also suggests practical ways families can strengthen their bonds and improve children's resilience by regularly sharing family stories, thus creating a unifying narrative that helps them during challenging times.
In his TEDxBend talk, Ron Fritz explores the development and importance of coming of age rituals and rites of passage in the modern era. He shares insights into how his family has created meaningful coming of age events for their children, demonstrating the potential for others to craft similar, impactful experiences. Fritz's discussion highlights the significance of these rituals in helping young individuals transition into adult roles within their communities.
In his TEDTalk, Bob Stein gives a meditative talk about looking both backward and forward, Bob Stein proposes a new tradition of giving away your things (and sharing the stories behind them) as you get older, to reflect on your life so far and open the door to whatever comes next.
For further details, you can explore more about the benefits of family storytelling and its psychological impacts in the original articles on various platforms like the Family Narratives Lab, National Storytelling Network, StoryCenter, and StoryCorps.
Here are some examples of rites of passage:
Birth and Baby Naming Ceremonies: In many cultures, when a baby is born, there's a special event to welcome them and give them their name. Many cultures celebrate the arrival of a new baby with ceremonies that often include stories about the significance of the chosen name or tales of other family members who bore the same name. For example, in Christianity, the baptism ceremony might include stories from the Bible, connecting the baby's new life with their religious heritage. In India, the Namakarana ceremony is a Hindu tradition performed usually 11 to 12 days after a baby's birth. This rite involves a sacred fire and a priest who conducts the ceremony, during which the baby's name, chosen based on astrological rules and family traditions, is officially given. Family and friends gather to bless the child, and hymns are sung to invoke divine blessings. The Aqiqah is an Islamic tradition celebrated about seven days after a child's birth. This ceremony involves the slaughtering of sheep or goats, and the baby's head is shaved to symbolize the cleansing from impurity. The child is then given a name during this time, and the family shares a meal with friends, family, and the poor, distributing the meat as a form of charity. In Japan, within a month after birth, parents bring their newborn to a Shinto shrine for the Omiyamairi ceremony. The baby is dressed in special clothes and presented to the kami (Shinto deities) for the first time. The priest offers prayers, and the baby's name is formally declared. It's a celebration of the child's health and a prayer for future protection. Many African cultures hold naming ceremonies several days or weeks after a child's birth. For example, among the Yoruba people in Nigeria, the naming ceremony is held on the eighth day after birth. It includes prayers, songs, and the choosing of a name that carries significant meaning and reflects the family's history or aspirations for the child.
Coming of Age: This is when young people are recognized as adults by their families and communities. Different cultures have their own ways of celebrating this. For example, Jewish boys have a Bar Mitzvah when they turn 13, and Jewish girls have a Bat Mitzvah. In Japan, there's a special day called "Seijin no Hi" or Coming of Age Day, celebrated when young people turn 20. Perhaps one of the most well-known Latin American rites of passage, the Quinceañera marks a girl's 15th birthday. It signifies her transition from childhood to womanhood. The celebration usually begins with a Mass where the girl may be presented with gifts like a cross or a Bible, symbolizing her faith and responsibilities as an adult. The event includes an elaborate party where family stories and the girl's childhood memories are often shared, reinforcing family bonds and cultural heritage. Among the Maasai tribes in Kenya and Tanzania, young boys undergo a series of rites leading to their initiation as warriors, which is a significant rite of passage. This includes circumcision without anesthetic, a test of courage and endurance, followed by several years living in isolation from their families in warrior camps where they learn various cultural practices, combat skills, and responsibilities. Storytelling is a crucial part of this period, where elders pass down knowledge and historical narratives to the new warriors. The Krobo people in Ghana celebrate the Dipo ceremony, where young girls are initiated into womanhood. It involves several rituals including spending time away from the community, learning about marital responsibilities, and the cultural expectations of womanhood. The ritual includes adornment with beautiful beads and traditional cloths, symbolizing their readiness for adult responsibilities. Family stories and the histories of the Krobo people are shared, linking the girls to their heritage.
Marriage: Weddings are a common rite of passage around the world, marking the start of a new family unit. Each culture has its own traditions. In India, Hindu weddings are elaborate affairs that typically last several days, involving multiple rituals and ceremonies. One of the central rituals is the 'Saptapadi' or 'Seven Steps', where the bride and groom take seven steps around a sacred fire, each step representing a marital vow. Another significant ritual is the 'Kanyadaan', where the bride's parents give away their daughter to the groom, symbolizing the transfer of responsibility. In Japan, traditional Shinto weddings involve a ceremony called 'San-san-kudo', which translates to "three-three-nine times." During this ceremony, the bride and groom drink sake from three different cups, each three times, symbolizing the bonding of their families and the sealing of their vows. The ceremony is typically conducted at a Shinto shrine in a solemn and reverent atmosphere. A key element of a traditional Jewish wedding is the 'Ketubah' signing, where a marriage contract is signed by two witnesses, outlining the husband's responsibilities to his wife. The wedding ceremony itself is conducted under a 'Chuppah', symbolizing the home that the couple will build together. The famous ritual of breaking a glass underfoot by the groom recalls the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, reminding everyone of the importance of faith even during joyous occasions. Maasai marriages begin with a dowry negotiation, followed by various rituals including the 'Enkipaata' (senior warrior ceremony) for men entering into marriage. During the wedding, the bride is adorned with elaborate beadwork, and milk is poured on her feet as a symbol of fertility and prosperity. Singing and dancing are also integral parts of the celebration, with songs that convey the responsibilities of marriage. Christian weddings blend cultural traditions with religious elements, centralizing around vows made before God. The ceremony often includes the exchange of vows and rings, symbolizing eternal love and commitment. Many also feature a unity candle or sand ceremony to visually represent the joining of two lives. Prayers and blessings are integral, seeking divine guidance for the couple's journey, while music and hymns uplift the spiritual atmosphere. Some traditions, like in Catholic weddings, may include Communion, emphasizing the couple's shared faith. This combination of elements creates a meaningful celebration of both love and spiritual commitment
Funerals: When someone dies, funerals serve as a rite of passage to honor the person's life and help the community deal with the loss. Different cultures have unique ways of saying goodbye to their loved ones. In Japan, Buddhist funerals often involve a wake, cremation of the body, and a funeral service with chanting of sutras. The cremated remains are typically placed in a family grave. A series of memorial services may follow for up to several years afterward, reflecting ongoing reverence for ancestors in Japanese culture. In the United States, New Orleans is famous for its jazz funerals, which blend African, French, and early American traditions. These funerals start with a solemn march accompanied by a brass band. Once the body is buried, the tone shifts to a celebration of life with music, dance, and singing, reflecting the belief in the joyous transition of the soul from this life. Irish funerals are known for their blend of solemnity and celebration of the deceased's life. Traditionally, the body is waked in the family home for a day or two before the funeral, allowing family, friends, and neighbors to gather and pay their respects. This wake involves both mourning and reminiscence, with stories about the deceased shared among attendees. The funeral itself typically includes a religious service, reflecting Ireland's predominantly Catholic population, followed by a burial. One of the most distinctive features of Irish funerals is the 'Month's Mind,' a mass held about a month after the death to provide the community another opportunity to gather and remember the deceased. n Italy, funerals are deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, reflecting the country's strong religious heritage. The funeral usually involves a wake, known as 'camera ardente,' where the deceased is placed in an open casket for visitors to pay their respects. This is followed by a funeral mass ('Messa di Requiem') at a church, where prayers and eulogies are given. The casket is often accompanied to the cemetery by a funeral procession, and the rite concludes with the burial or entombment, where family members might throw soil or flowers onto the casket as a final goodbye. In many Italian communities, it is common to commemorate the deceased with an annual mass to honor their memory. While not a funeral rite per se, Mexico’s Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a unique annual event where families honor deceased loved ones. It's celebrated with altars, food, and festivities that are believed to encourage visits by the souls, ensuring the souls' hearths and spirits are not forgotten.
Ethics in Storytelling
Exploring rites of passage opens a window into the universal yet uniquely personal experiences that shape our lives. As we consider our own real-life stories within our own families and communities, the need to consider the ethics of storytelling take on a crucial role. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's warning about the "danger of a single story" reminds us that each life event can and should be viewed from multiple angles. She emphasizes that understanding only one perspective about a person or culture can lead to stereotypes and significant misunderstandings. She also notes the importance of recognizing that everyone has many overlapping stories, and by acknowledging diverse narratives, we can gain a fuller, more nuanced view of the world.
When collecting or sharing personal stories of rites of passage, it is vital to consider these multiple perspectives to avoid reducing complex human experiences to mere stereotypes or simplifications. This approach not only enriches the tapestry of shared human experiences but also fosters a deeper understanding and respect for the diverse paths that shape our individual and collective journeys. In doing so, we embrace a more inclusive narrative practice that highlights the varied dimensions of human experiences across different cultures and communities.
The Story Center provides a great resource on ethical practice when gathering stories from others using a participatory approach. While you might not be using a participatory approach and gathering stories directly from others, understanding the principles laid out in the resource guide are important for any kind of storytelling, including your own stories. There are many different organizations that share information about ethics in storytelling including the YWCA, the Freedom Story, and Working Narratives.
Required Readings/Viewings:
Christine Hennebury (2020). Storytelling is not just entertainment. It's a fundamental part of being human.
Kate Hurst (N.D.) The Importance of Storytelling and Story Creation.
Duke, M. (2013) The Stories that Bind Us: What are the Twenty Questions?
Ron Fritz (2017) An Exploration of Coming of Age Rituals & Rites of Passage in a Modern Era
(2021) Ethical Storytelling: Introduction to Ethical Storytelling 101 podcast
(2009) Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's TEDTalk - The danger of a single story
Assignment:
Write a personal family story about a rite of passage. (2 - 3 pages).
A classical understanding of rites of passage in literature often focus on the protagonist's growth from youth to adulthood, detailing their encounters with new challenges and experiences that fundamentally change their perspective and character. Here are some examples:
"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger: This classic novel tells the story of Holden Caulfield, a teenager wandering through New York City, seeking genuine human connections and grappling with the complexities of adulthood. The narrative captures Holden's existential angst and disillusionment with the "phony" aspects of the adult world.
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee: Through the eyes of Scout Finch, this novel explores themes of racial injustice in the American South. Scout's journey from innocence to a deeper understanding of her community's moral complexities serves as a critical rite of passage.
"Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë: This novel chronicles Jane Eyre's growth from an unloved orphan into a self-assured woman. Each phase of her life, from her abusive childhood to her time at Thornfield and beyond, serves as a stepping stone in her quest for independence and self-respect.
"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain: Huck Finn's adventures on the Mississippi River provide a framework for his moral and ethical growth. Huck's journey compels him to question the societal values of his time, particularly concerning slavery and racism.
"Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens: This novel follows Pip, an orphan who rises from poverty to wealth, navigates various personal relationships, and ultimately learns the limits of social class and the value of loyalty.
"A Separate Peace" by John Knowles: Set during World War II, this novel focuses on the friendship and rivalry between two high school boys at an elite boarding school. The story explores themes of envy, competitiveness, and the loss of innocence.
"Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: This novel follows Ifemelu, a young Nigerian woman who emigrates to the United States for college. The story explores her struggles with identity, race, and understanding herself both in America and upon her return to Nigeria. It's a profound reflection on personal growth within the context of global migration and cultural clashes.
"The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri: This novel tells the story of Gogol Ganguli, the son of Indian immigrants in the United States, who is torn between his parents’ traditional expectations and his own desire for a distinct American identity. His journey through acceptance of his name and heritage serves as a symbolic rite of passage reflecting the immigrant experience.
"The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini: This novel is set in Afghanistan and follows Amir from his early childhood in Kabul to his adulthood in the United States. Amir's journey is marked by deep-seated guilt over his betrayal of his childhood friend Hassan and his eventual attempt at redemption, which serves as his rite of passage into self-acceptance and understanding.
"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie: This young adult novel features Arnold Spirit Jr., a Spokane Indian teenager who leaves his school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white high school in a nearby town. His story explores themes of alienation and discovery as he navigates the cultural divide between his heritage and his aspirations.
"Swing Time" by Zadie Smith: This novel follows two mixed-race girls from London who dream of being dancers, but only one has talent. The story delves into their friendship and their divergent paths as they grow into adulthood, tackling issues of identity, race, and social mobility. It illustrates the complexities of coming of age in a multicultural world.
"Persepolis" by Marjane Satrapi: This graphic novel memoir details the author's experiences growing up during and after the Islamic Revolution in Iran. Through Marjane's eyes, readers experience her journey from an idealistic child to a politically aware and self-exiled adult, offering insights into the cultural and personal rites of passage within a tumultuous societal backdrop.
These stories, while diverse in setting and time period, all share a focus on the protagonist's critical transition into a deeper understanding of themselves and their world. They offer insights into the universal challenges associated with growing up and the personal growth that often comes from facing life's difficulties, offering readers a window into different worlds and the universal challenges of growing up.
In literature, stories focusing on significant life events such as birth and marriage often explore the emotional and psychological transformations these rites of passage provoke. Here are a few literary works that delve into these themes:
"Breath, Eyes, Memory" by Edwidge Danticat: This novel explores the lives of four generations of Haitian women, with particular emphasis on their rites of passage, including birth and the cultural rituals surrounding it. The story delves into the complexities of mother-daughter relationships and the legacies of trauma and healing.
"The Marriage Plot" by Jeffrey Eugenides: Set in the early 1980s, this novel focuses on a love triangle between three college graduates as they transition into adulthood. The plot examines the concept of marriage as a cultural and personal rite of passage, questioning romantic ideals and the realities of commitment.
"Fates and Furies" by Lauren Groff: This novel presents marriage as a rite of passage that unfolds over twenty-four years of partnership between Lotto and Mathilde. It reveals how secrets and personal histories shape their relationship, exploring the differing perspectives of husband and wife through the passage of time.
"An American Marriage" by Tayari Jones: This novel explores the strains of a marriage put to the test by wrongful incarceration. It examines how life's unexpected turns challenge the vows and futures of newlyweds Celestial and Roy, providing a profound look at the institution of marriage and the personal growth that comes from dealing with adversity.
These stories, though diverse in setting and narrative style, offer deep insights into the transformative experiences of birth and marriage, portraying them as pivotal moments that deeply influence the trajectory of individual lives.
Rites of passage may also reflect broader themes of change, personal growth, or shifts in identity. Here are several examples from literature where the rites of passage involve other life stages or pivotal life events:
"Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert: This memoir recounts the author’s journey across Italy, India, and Indonesia in search of self-discovery following a difficult divorce. It's a tale of personal transformation that occurs in mid-life, showcasing the rite of passage from marital dissolution to self-fulfillment and spiritual peace.
"Wild" by Cheryl Strayed: This memoir describes Strayed's solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail following her mother's death and the collapse of her marriage. It is a physical and emotional journey that marks her transition from grief and loss to healing and self-acceptance, symbolizing a rite of passage into new strength and independence.
"The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion: This non-fiction book explores the year after the sudden death of Didion's husband. It’s a profound reflection on mourning and survival, detailing her passage through the initial stages of grief to a new reality in which she must redefine her sense of self and her understanding of the world.
"Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom: This book captures the lessons learned from conversations between a former student and his old college professor, who is in the final stages of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). The professor's transition toward death serves as a rite of passage not only for him but also for the author, who re-evaluates his life's priorities and gains new insights into living fully.
"The Pilgrimage" by Paulo Coelho: In this novel, Coelho describes his journey on the Camino de Santiago as a quest for spiritual growth and enlightenment. The pilgrimage acts as a rite of passage, facilitating a profound internal transformation that reflects his transition into a deeper understanding of himself and the world.
"The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho: While initially it might seem a story of youth, it’s actually about the broader journey of discovering one's destiny or personal legend at any age. The protagonist, Santiago, goes through multiple rites of passage as he seeks to understand his purpose in life and fulfill his dreams, reflecting universal themes applicable beyond the transition from youth to adulthood.
These stories illustrate how rites of passage can encompass more than traditional coming-of-age narratives, including any significant life transition that involves profound changes in one's identity or worldview.
When we consider the movie elements of rites of passage, this video from StudioBinder (2023) Coming of Age Movies — 3 Things All Great Rites of Passage Movies Have, covers five types of coming-of-age stories: Adolescence, Addiction, Mid-Life, Separation, and Death, each portraying unique life challenges that characters must confront and accept. This video demonstrates the intricacies of the rites of passage genre as outlined in Blake Snyder's "Save the Cat Goes to the Movies," highlighting three essential elements: the life problem, the wrong approach to solving it, and finally, acceptance. This formula showcases how characters navigate their struggles, reflecting broader life lessons applicable to the audience. This also provides us with a framework for considering our own rites of passage stories and the stories of our friends and family.
Required Readings/Viewings/Listening
Narrative and Rites of Passage in Adolescence: Catalysts for Cognitive and Social Change - full text available
StudioBinder (2023) Coming of Age Movies — 3 Things All Great Rites of Passage Movies Have
Assignment
Choose one of the following options and write a 4-5 page paper:
Develop a short story or personal narrative that reflects on the ethical considerations of storytelling from the last module and addresses any rite of passage story that you have not already written about. Consider the Life Problem, The Wrong Way and Acceptance as discussed in the video Coming of Age Movies — 3 Things All Great Rites of Passage Movies Have as you write your story.
Read a rite of passage literary work (fiction or memoir) or watch a rite of passage movie and analyze according to the elements of rite of passage stories discussed in the video Coming of Age Movies — 3 Things All Great Rites of Passage Movies Have.
Final Project
Your final project will blend the concepts of rites of passage and storytelling in personal and academic/professional ways. Your final project should build upon your learning in the course and capture the spirit and essence of the course as a whole. You will also need to do outside research related to storytelling and rites of passage. You can delve deeper into some additional content by people whom you have read or viewed in the class, but you should also do some outside research specific to the focus of your project ideas. You are encouraged to design a project that is personally and professionally meaningful to you. You can approach this project in a variety of different approaches:
You could write a traditional scholarly essay exploring the connection between storytelling and rites of passage. You will look at these topics globally and within specific discipline/profession/area of expertise. You might also do a comparative analysis across two or more disciplines/professions/areas of expertise.
You could write a story/record yourself telling a TEDTalk style story that epitomizes family narratives and/or rites of passage making sure that you explore both global concepts as well as specific disciplines/professions/areas of expertise.
The project parameters are limited only by your imagination.
You will be building upon the project proposal you submitted at then end of module 2 and incorporating feedback from the instructor.
As a guide/rule of thumb, contingent upon project form, the length is roughly equivalent to an 8-10-page scholarly essay (2000-2500 words, not including works cited/references). Use at least 3-4 outside sources (secondary sources i.e. scholarly books or articles, not only resources from within our class materials)