Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2023 - IAT 313 D100

Narrative and New Media (3)

Class Number: 4086

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Prerequisites:

    Completion of 48 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores the role of narrative in various media and New Media environments, from traditional linear environments and multi-linear and networked media environments. Examines the relationship of narrative elements in the light of the practice and the aesthetics of New Media. It will include an overview of New Media theorists.

COURSE DETAILS:

iat313 Narrative and New Media explores the role of narrative in various media and New Media environments: both traditional linear environments and multi-linear and networked media environments. Examines the relationship of narrative elements in the light of the practice and the aesthetics of New Media. It will include an overview of various New Media theorists.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Learning Activities:
 The class will include lectures, screenings, class discussions, course readings, Canvas material/discussion board, writing assignments and media project assignments. 

Course Objectives: In this course students will:

  • Demonstrate a solid understanding of the principles of linear and multi-linear narrative
  • Demonstrate a solid understanding of the fundamental aesthetics of new media environments
  • Analyze the construction of traditional linear narratives (film, animation, comics, short story, graphic novels, poetry, songs, etc.)
  • Analyze multi-linear multi-media narrative aesthetics and construction (video-games, hypertext, websites, interactive video, interactive installation)
  • Plan and produce interactive narrative projects.
  • Shape your ideas into compelling and well-structured narratives and complex story worlds

Grading

  • P1: Script (Indiv) 20%
  • P2: Interactive Story: Audience and tech (Indiv) 20%
  • P3: Multiplatform storytelling (team) 40%
  • Quizzes (3) 15%
  • Exercises 5%

NOTES:

This course is taught in person. In class will be a mix of lectures, critique and feedback, brainstorming sessions, and team and individual project work. The class will be held in SRYC5140  and  SRYE 2030.  Unless a prior announcement has been made, the class will meet in SRYC5140 and move to SRYE 2030 for class teamwork as required. Lectures will not be recorded and students will not be able to join the class remotely as the type of instructions, which is mostly discussion and/or activity based cannot accommodate this.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Texts, Resources & Materials:
All required materials will be available through Canvas.  You may be asked to sign up for external websites.

RECOMMENDED READING:

The Cambridge Introduction to Narrative, 3rd Edition by H. Porter Abbott, 2020. Cambridge University Press.   ISBN: 978-1108823357

Digital Storytelling, 4th Edition by Carolyn Hler Miller, 2019. Focal Press.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html