Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • analyze audiovisual media productions, particularly their interactive forms, using methods, concepts and tools from different disciplines: narratology, ludology, narrative design, intermedia studies, etc;
  • understand the specific narrative and expressive characteristics of the various media studied (video games, literature, web art, cinema, TV series, comics, animation), as well as the issues involved in their hybridization (in transmedia narration and intermedia references, among others);
  • recognize, define and discuss the central concepts required for the first two learning outcomes;
  • appropriate the concepts discussed in class, and mobilize them in the creation of an interactive narrative;
  • develop a reflexive analysis of their own creative practice and of the media productions presented in class, and clearly communicate the results of this analysis.

Goals

The course “Media Narration and Storytelling” (EINCB361) aims to train students in the fundamentals of narratology, narrative design and storytelling. It aims to enable them :

  • on the one hand, to analyse the narratives that currently saturate the media ecosystem (in all their diversity of forms and functions: interactive or immersive narration, transmedia storytelling, use of storytelling by public figures, serial narratives, environmental storytelling, etc.);
  • on the other hand, to produce narratives themselves and put them at the service of a communication project.

Content

Introduction to various approaches in narratology and to the techniques and communicative approaches of storytelling.

Study of a variety of media forms of narration (cinema, series, comics, literature, animation), with particular emphasis on current forms of interactive storytelling (videogames, visual novels, digital literature, etc.).

Introduction to narrative design and guided creation of a videogame based on the concepts seen in class, using an accessible tool that requires no programming skills (Bitsy).

Study of media relationships and how they determine narration.

Table of contents

Course outline :

  • Introduction to narratology
  • The mechanics of a plot: narrative tension, suspense and curiosity
  • Discovering a tool for creating interactive narratives: Bitsy
  • Narrative design: the basics to get started
  • Narrative patterns and plot models
  • Worldbuilding and environmental storytelling
  • Characters, mascots and stereotypes
  • Dialogues, quest design and guidance systems
  • Storytelling and narrative consumption
  • Transmedia storytelling
  • Videogame narratives

Exercices

Throughout the semester, workshops sessions will be organized and supervised by an assistant. During these sessions, students will be accompanied in the creation of a video game prototype developing an interactive narrative.

Teaching methods

The course will alternate between the following modalities :

  • lectures
  • group work
  • creative workshops
  • experiential teaching
  • feedbacks from specialists
  • plenary debates
  • metacognitive reflection on teaching and learning methods
  • formative self-assessment.

Assessment method

Certifying assessment will take place in an examination session, in two parts:

  • a presentation, in pairs, of a video game prototype (which students will be asked to develop throughout the semester, during the workshops sessions), with reflective feedback on how it illustrates one or more concepts seen in class;
  • an individual interview during which students will be questioned about the course, based on a list of questions they will have prepared in advance.


Evaluation criteria :

  • Participation in practical sessions
  • Delivery of the interactive game/narrative
  • Understanding of the concepts presented in class
  • Ability to use the concepts learned in class to create an interactive narrative
  • Ability to describe clearly the concepts taught in class and to express clearly the analyses mobilizing them
  • Ability to self-evaluate and provide critical feedback.

Note: the assessment does not focus on the graphic or technical quality of the prototype developed, but only on its ability to reflect on the concepts covered in class.

Sources, references and any support material

The following materials will be made available to students:

  • Slides used for course and TPs presentations;
  • A reference bibliography (and a portfolio of texts on Webcampus);
  • Webcampus.

Wherever possible, course materials will be posted in advance on Webcampus so that they can be used as notes supports.

Language of instruction

French
Training Study programme Block Credits Mandatory
Bachelor in Information and Communication Standard 0 5
Bachelor in Information and Communication Standard 3 5