KZB240 Advanced Storytelling and Narrative
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | KZB240 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | 72cp of completed study |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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| CSP student contribution | $2,174 |
| Pre-2021 CSP student contribution | $1,020 The pre-2021 commonwealth supported place (CSP) contribution amount only applies to students enrolled in a course prior to 2021. To learn more, visit our Understanding your fees page. |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,704 |
| International unit fee | $4,944 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | KZB240 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | 72cp of completed study |
| Coordinator: | Rohan Wilson | rohan.wilson@qut.edu.au |
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 and digital platforms. 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:
- 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.
- Critically analyse and interpret complex narratives, identifying any narrative elements, techniques, and themes, and effectively convey your insights in critical and creative writing.
- 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.
- Critically assess the social implications of existing narratives, considering issues of representation, diversity, and responsibility. Apply ethical principles to your own creative work.
Content
Content in the unit includes:
- Advanced storytelling and narrative techniques
- Classic narrative structures and patterning tools
- Narrative Theory and narratology
- Character development in storytelling
- The process of adaptation across mediums
- Thematic exploration and coherence
- World-Building
- Ethics of storytelling and representation in narratives.
Learning Approaches
Through a combination of lectures and tutorials, with online writing activities, you will be encouraged to develop your writing. 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.
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 principals of emotional variation to describe the reader experience of the narrative.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Reflective Essay
A reflective essay in which you explore a specific aspect of advanced storytelling, such as a critical analysis of a particular narrative, an examination of ethical concerns in storytelling, or a discussion of narrative trends in contemporary culture, that relates specifically to your own creative practice.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
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
- Play or performance script
- Interactive Digital Narrative
- Graphic Novel or Comic Book
- Short film
- Adapting an existing story into a new medium
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.
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
Refer to the unit’s Canvas site for links to additional readings (via QUT Readings) and learning 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.