Storytelling Workshop

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

108 Hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This workshop examines some of the elements that constitute universal principles of effective storytelling. Students are required to write short prose or script format exercises which are shared with the class and discussed. Emphasis is put on examining how an audience’s engagement is impacted by a writer’s creative choices in areas such as point of view, narrative structure, authentic detail and content. Much attention is also paid to word craft. Students practice the skills of precise, economical and evocative writing, as required by the screen media.

This subject will enable students to:
• gain understanding of key elements of effective storytelling;
• develop skills to conceive and write compelling short narratives;
• comprehend the need for and begin to develop a concise and evocative writing style;
• develop skills in analysing what makes a story effective to an audience.

Two short storytelling exercises. 1500 word equivalent (2 x 20%)
Short Script 1500 word equivalent (50%)
Workshop Participation (10%)

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completing this subject students will have:
• confidence in presenting work to a group;
• analysis and peer feedback;
• enhanced critical listening skills;
• effective writing style.