Course Description:

In recent years, digital storytelling has emerged as a new and influential media form among educators, artists, and social activists. One might broadly define digital storytelling as short videos that “incorporate imagery, data, and narrative stories to teach complex content in an approachable way” (Shelton, 2016). Features of mainstream digital storytelling include but are not limited to: 1) self-revelatory, 2) told in the first-person, 3) about lived experience, 4) combined with still images, 5) accompanied by a soundtrack or ambient sound, 6) brief, minimal, raw and direct, 7) privileges self-awareness and self-expression (Lambert 2013). Specific examples might include sites/series such as Great Big Story, Vox, Netflix Explained, and any number of micro-documentaries found on YouTube or social media feeds.

With their training in literary narrative and interpretation, DFLL literature majors are exceptionally positioned to make use of this innovative media to narrate and document inspiring stories worth telling, thereby making a positive impact through digital engagement. After a theoretical module on narrative theory as applied to literary and cultural texts ranging from mythology to classic short stories to TED talks, the course will then enter the creative phase of storytelling development, production, and dissemination. Recent DFLL graduates will be engaged as starting points for exploring possible career and life stories to be narrated.

A. Development: In this phase, the course focuses on narrative and storytelling techniques. Students will experiment with different narrative methods to document a story with personal and social relevance.
B. Production: In this phase, students will convert their narratives into digital content, recording and adding visuals/sound while adjusting their stories for use as digital media.
C. Dissemination: With the successful production of digital content, students think about how best to propagate their message online, to reach a wider audience, and to make a social impact.

Weekly meetings emphasizing peer critique and instructor feedback will be required to sharpen and fine-tune students’ narrative techniques, with the objective of producing a producing a professional, finished piece of digital storytelling in English to be published online.