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Module Content

This module explores both in theory and in practice the art of first-person non-fiction storytelling.ÌýÌý

Why do we tell stories? What stories are left to tell? How do we tell them? What are the tools? Why are the tools never adequate? How will I use them? This is an exploratory unit that uses the frame of a one module course to open students up to multiple narrative possibilities through a practical exploration of narrating a personal story using creative writing.ÌýÌý

We will review mainly literature but also look at photographs, film, radio and other art forms as examples and possible ways of telling stories. At the same time, we will be exploring what each student’s story might be.ÌýÌý

The second part of the course will be more self-directed with students working towards their individual projects. In the first section, we work with the whole group present, using lecture-based presentations showing a range of different narrative material, followed by group discussions. Alongside this analytic work, we will challenge each student to develop a personal story and then to consider the implications of telling it.ÌýÌýÌý

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Learning Outcomes

As a result of the course:

• Students will be familiar with and have preliminary insight into the validity and implications of adopting different narrative forms and will have begun to develop an informed understanding of why we tell stories, have developed understanding of what relevance a story /their story might have to the wider world,Ìý
• To learn the key skills needed in being able to write in the first person for a broad audience and to understand the key principles of how to make writing that stems from personal experience engaging and appealing to a wider audience.Ìý
• The course encourages awareness of, and sensitivity to, human diversity, an appreciation of its scope and complexity, and recognition of the richness of experience and potential that it provides, through the exploration of the diverse stories that the group finds and tells.ÌýÌý
• The course enables students to critically read and interpret a selected range of texts (including print, oral, film and multimedia) within their historical, social and theoretical contexts and acknowledge practical awareness of the strengths and limitations of particular ways of engaging with the social world.ÌýÌý
• It also enables students to develop analytic skills and begin to recognise the politics of language, indirect forms of communication and theoretical statements, forms of power and claims of authority embodied in different sorts of texts.ÌýÌý

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Indicative Delivery Method

One 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour seminar per week.

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Additional Information

This module has a strong practice based focus, using artistic research methods.Ìý