KZB240 Advanced Storytelling and Narrative

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

In this unit, you will delve into the art and science of storytelling and uncover the intricacies of narrative structures, character development, thematic depth, and storytelling techniques across diverse media, from literature to screen plays, graphic novels, and games. Throughout this immersive journey, students will sharpen their storytelling skills, gaining profound insights into how narratives shape our perceptions and experiences. Using a combination of theory, analysis, and hands-on exercises, students will refine their storytelling skills and gain a deeper understanding of how to create narratives that have an impact and our ethical responsibilities as storytellers. Whether you aspire to write compelling fiction, script engaging films, craft plays or stage productions, design interactive games, adapt stories for different media, or simply appreciate the power of narrative, this course offers the tools and knowledge to become a master storyteller and narrative analyst. 

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of advanced narrative techniques, including various narrative structures, character development techniques, dialogue, world building, thematic coherence, and the use of point of view, voice, and style to create compelling narratives in a variety of media.
2. Critically analyse and interpret complex narratives, identifying any narrative elements, techniques, and themes, and effectively convey your insights in critical and creative writing.
3. Apply advanced storytelling knowledge by creating original narratives that exhibit complexity, creativity, and an understanding of narrative theory. These narratives may take the form of written works, screenplays, plays, scripts, short films, interactive digital content, or other storytelling media.
4. Critically assess the social implications of existing narratives, considering issues of representation, diversity, and responsibility. Apply ethical principles to your own creative work.

Content

Learning Approaches

Through a combination of lectures and tutorials, with in-class assessment of writing activities, you will be encouraged to develop your storytelling skills. There is an emphasis in this unit on formative as well as summative assessment/evaluation. This is achieved via weekly writing activities, feedback from your tutor, as well as by participation in small peer editorial groups.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Feedback in this unit is provided to you in the following ways:

• Formative feedback on your progress in this unit during tutorials and discussions throughout the semester
• Comments on summative assessment work in addition to criteria sheets
• Criteria sheet grading

Assessment

Overview

Assessment in the unit will encompass a range of methods to evaluate your understanding, creativity, critical thinking, and practical skills in storytelling. It is designed to ensure that you gain gain theoretical knowledge but also have the opportunity to apply understanding in creative and analytical ways. It encourages critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication while considering the ethical implications of storytelling. Assessment item 2 is a verified identity task that will require your participation in tutorials during weeks 5-8.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Structural analysis

A short review of the narrative structure and emotional variation of a play, novel, or movie. You will analyse and describe the structure, making reference to the ideas introduced in the unit. The review will include a graphical depiction of the structure using the principles of emotional variation to describe the reader experience of the narrative. 

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: In-class portfolio

A series of in-class writing tasks in which you will analyse and describe the ethical stance or representation strategies of a specified text, the point of view or narration strategies of a specified text, and the characterisation strategies of a specified text. You will also be required to defend your analysis in a Q&A session during one of the tutorials. You will submit these tasks at the end of each tutorial. You will complete these tasks during tutorials in weeks 5-8. 

This is a verified identity assessment item. To maintain assessment integrity, teaching staff will need to verify your identity during the assessment. You must keep your webcam on for the entire session and show your face along with your QUT ID card or digital ID card. You must attend at least three tutorial sessions between weeks 5-8 in order to complete this assessment. If you have any concerns, please contact your unit coordinator.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.

Assessment: Creative Narrative Project

Create an original narrative project that demonstrates your understanding of advanced storytelling concepts covered in the unit. The project can take various forms to accommodate different creative interests and talents, including but not limited to: 

• Short Story or section of a novel
• Screenplay or interactive narrative script
• Play or performance script
• Story board
• Graphic novel or comic book

This creative assessment allows you to express your storytelling skills in a medium of choice while demonstrating comprehension of advanced storytelling concepts. It encourages creativity, originality, and practical application of course material. The project also requires you to individually articulate your creative choices and the theoretical underpinnings of work.

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Hambly, G. (2020). Cultural influences in screenwriting: Australia vs. Hollywood. Journal of Screenwriting, 11(1), 45–61. https://doi.org/10.1386/josc_00012_1

Maras, S. (Ed.). (2016). Ethics in Screenwriting : New Perspectives (1st ed. 2016.). Palgrave Macmillan UK. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-54493-3

Vogler, C. and Montez, M. [2007] [3rd ed] The writer’s journey: Mythic structure for writers, California: Michael Wiese Productions.

Risk Assessment Statement

For risks associated with using campus buildings or QUT facilities, refer to the HiQ Health and Safety information. 

Where substantial computer-based work is required, you are recommended to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work, and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.

Course Learning Outcomes

BA01 Bachelor of Arts

1. Demonstrate the ability to understand and apply knowledge about society, culture and technology, for a range of contexts, audiences and purposes.
   Relates to: ULO1, Structural analysis , In-class portfolio, Creative Narrative Project
2. Recognise, develop and apply disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge through critical and creative processes.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Structural analysis , In-class portfolio, Creative Narrative Project
3. Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise information and evidence to inform decision-making, problem solving and argumentation.
   Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Structural analysis , In-class portfolio, Creative Narrative Project
4. Independently formulate questions, and apply foundational research methods and analysis to investigate relationships between society, culture and technology.
   Relates to: ULO2, Structural analysis , In-class portfolio
5. Communicate to diverse audiences using a range of modes and technologies to share and disseminate knowledge, skills and ideas.
   Relates to: ULO3, Creative Narrative Project
6. Develop knowledge about Indigenous and diverse intercultural contexts to reflect on individual positionality, ethical practice, integrity, and adaptability.
   Relates to: ULO4, Creative Narrative Project