Interactive Storytelling
Syllabus, Bachelor's level, 5SD059
- Code
- 5SD059
- Education cycle
- First cycle
- Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
- Game Design G1F
- Grading system
- Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with distinction (VG)
- Finalised by
- The Department Board, 30 January 2015
- Responsible department
- Department of Game Design
General provisions
The course is part of both the main field of study Game Design and the secondary field of study Liberal Arts. The course has thus a double classification. Courses included in the main field of study Game Design which are also classified in the secondary field of study Liberal Arts are Game Design in Practice (15 credits), Interactive Storytelling (7.5 credits), Ethics in New Media (7.5 credits) and Character Design and Representation (7.5 credits).
Entry requirements
30 credits
Learning outcomes
Upon completing the course, students with a Pass grade will be able to:
- describe interactive storytelling and basic narratological theories in a reflective manner.
- explain the basic principles of interactivity and agency from a .
- understand the special features, difficulties and possibilities of interactive storytelling.
- design and create stories with a branching structure, and will
- know the basic principles of visual storytelling
Content
The course is interdisciplinary with ideas taken primarily from subject areas within Ethnology, Literary Science and Game Design. It provides a basic knowledge of interactive storytelling in theory and practice. The course places greater emphasis on the latter with student creativity as a core component.
The course takes up the role and function of storytelling from a cultural perspective. It provides an introduction to narratology and other literary models and methods. In addition, the key concepts of interactivity and agency are explored as are the special features, difficulties and possibilities of interactive storytelling. Furthermore, the course includes in-depth studies into methods for creating interactive storytelling such as narrative structures (linear and branching), dramatized character design, mechanisms for interactive dialogues, computer-generated intrigues and visual storytelling (basic film theory).
Instruction
Lectures, seminars and workshops with active student participation. In addition, students do coursework both as individuals and in groups.
Assessment
Assessment is of hand-in assignments, verbal presentations and a final reflective report. The course grades are Pass with Credit, Pass or Fail.
Uppsala University has a strict attitude towards cheating and plagiarism and disciplinary measures will be taken against students who are suspected of involvement in any kind of cheating/plagiarism. The disciplinary measures take the form of a warning and suspension for a limited period.
Other directives
The course is part of both the main field of study Game Design and the minor field of study Liberal Arts.