Course Syllabus
Storytelling Workshop |
 |
| Semester & Location: |
Spring 2024 - DIS Stockholm |
| Type & Credits: |
Elective Course - 3 credits |
| Major Disciplines: |
Communication, Creative Writing, Literature |
| Faculty Member: |
Michael Ioannou (current students please use the Canvas Inbox) |
| Academic Support: | |
| Time & Place: |
Mondays & Thursdays, 10.05 –11:20 Classroom: 1D-508 |
Course Description
How do stories work? What do they have in common? Why do our brains like them so much? Where do these stories come from? How does our cultural background shape storytelling aspects such as character and representation? This course combines narrative theory and creative writing to explore the art of storytelling.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course you will have a working knowledge of story basics such as plot, character and structure, and how these apply to different kinds of stories. You will investigate to see where these stories come from, in the form of creative non-fiction, and see if they share common traits and understand why they are necessary to humanity. You will also have started your own creative writing project and will help other writers evolve their own 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 an MA in Advanced Teacher Education from Stockholm University. Michael worked as a journalist and editor for The New York Times. He teaches at Jensen Education College and works with the Swedish National Agency for Education. He writes short 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 |
|---|---|---|