ATS2535 · Screen storytelling: From classical narrative to multi-media world building

Overview

This unit analyses the many ways that stories can be told on screen. It aims is to explore how screen-based media utilise different narrative structures and models, as well as various aesthetic techniques to offer possibilities to creators and viewers to tap into the central human practice of storytelling. The course draws examples from major innovatory phases in the history of film, television and other screen-based media. This includes the development of classical narrative model, Russian montage experiments in the 1920s, alternative formal systems in Asian film, Italian neo-realism, European art cinema, contemporary Hollywood, World cinema and multi-media storytelling focusing specifically on non-linear, multi-linear and interactive narrative forms. It introduces you to a range of theories developed to understand the organisation, techniques and impacts of narration in film, television and other platforms in order to enable you to make critical arguments and specific interpretations of screen texts.

Areas of study: Film and screen studies Screen

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of narrative organisation of a variety of screen texts;
2. Demonstrate an understanding of how other parameters of film, TV and other forms of screen communication (editing, mise en scene, cinematography, and sound as well as interactional and immersive techniques) relate to storytelling;
3. Develop awareness of theoretical frameworks, current debates and research methods in narratology;
4. Demonstrate an ability to formulate critical arguments and specific interpretations of screen texts informed by the theoretical and historical understanding of narrative.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.