SCME2106 Narrative and Storytelling

Narrative is one of the most widespread and powerful forms for organising discourse in a diverse range of art forms, from literature to film to computer games. This topic provides an introduction to narratology, the study of stories and storytelling. The topic will address questions such as: what is a story, what is the appeal of stories, and how are stories typically constructed? We will study the models and analogies that have been proposed for the study of narrative, such as the idea that stories are like dreams or myths. We will also look at conventional formulae for the construction of narratives, such as the notion of three-act structure for film scriptwriting.

This topic aims to:

• Explore narrative as one of the most widespread and powerful forms for organising discourse, and to give an introduction to the variety of ways in which narrative can be studied
• Give students a firm grounding in narratology as well as some of the other theoretical fields that have been influential in contemporary theory
• Explore critical work on myths, folktales, dreams, novels, plays, films and computer games
• Understand theories in a critical way, analysing the assumptions and methodologies of the writers
• Provide spaces for creative writers to reflect on their own practices and to experiment with the models of narrative which the topic examines

1. Demonstrate an understanding of some key principles of narratology and related theoretical fields
2. Demonstrate enhanced understanding of critical analysis of various forms of narrative
3. Apply knowledge from this topic to students' own creative endeavours
4. Demonstrate enhanced ability to read analytically and communicate critical and analytical ideas