Course Syllabus
Storytelling Workshop |
 |
| Semester & Location: |
Spring 2025 - DIS Stockholm |
| Type & Credits: |
Elective Course - 3 credits |
| Prerequisites: |
None |
| Major Disciplines: |
Communication, Creative Writing, Literature |
| Faculty Member: |
Michael Ioannou (current students please use the Canvas Inbox) |
| Time & Place: |
Mondays & Thursdays, 10.05 –11:20 Classroom: 1D-508 |
Course Description
How do stories work? Why do our brains like them so much? Where do these stories come from? Who is the main character and what is it that creates a villain? This course combines narrative theory and creative writing to explore the art of storytelling.
Learning Objectives
In this course we will study the essence of stories: where they come from, if they share common traits and why they are necessary to humanity. You will explore your own creative writing project and help others evolve their stories using principles you will have learned in this course. This course is seen as a complement to a breadth of academic disciplines, including comparative literature, film, media studies, culture and communication, as well as studies in rhetoric and creative writing.
Faculty
Michael Ioannou holds an MA in Transnational Creative Writing, and Advanced Teacher Education from Stockholm University.
He is a Professor at Jensen College and works with the Swedish National Agency for Education. As well as teaching he writes stories and is featured in Stockholm University's anthology of creative writing. He is also the creator & publisher of an annual book of short stories, poetry and art by Swedish students.
Readings
Will Storr, The Science of Storytelling. 2019
John Yorke, Into the Woods: How Stories Work and Why We Tell Them. 2013
Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. 2020
Additional reading is supplied on Canvas.
Approach to Teaching
This course combines theoretical and practical levels, and depends on a high level of interaction.
Expectations of the Students
Attendance is obligatory. Please note that participation and workshop contribution make up as much as half of the final grade. A workshop missed for whatever reason needs to be made up for by handing in equivalent work in writing. Please come to class prepared, either with completed assignments, or having read the material posted before each class. You should be prepared to take part in class discussions and to provide constructive feedback to others.
Evaluation & Grading
The grade breakdown is as follows:
| Assignment |
Percent |
| Reflection Quizzes |
See Grade Center |
| Creative Writing & Analysis |
See Grade Center |
| Tv Show Analysis |
See Grade Center |
|
Participation including assignments not included not graded, workshops, and informed participation in class |
See Grade Center |
Participation includes coming prepared to class and joining thoughtfully in class discussions, as well as completing the reading and the creative writing exercises.
Grades
A = Excellent. The assignment is notably elucidative, knowledgeable, inventive and critical.
B = Well above average. The assignment is sound, well-reasoned and independent.
C = Average. The assignment is competently understood with good individual reasoning.
D = Below average but passing. The assignment shows adequate understanding and treatment of course contents.
P = Pass
F = Failure or failure to complete
I = Incomplete (only issued in place of final course grade if an agreement exists for completion
by a definite deadline which is approved by the instructor and the DIS Registrar).
Plus (+) and minus (-) grades are used for examinations and home assignments as well as for final grades. For purposes of calculating grade points and averages, the "+" equals 0.3 and the "-" equals minus 0.3 of a grade.
Academic Regulations
Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:
DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|