The Future of Storytelling 2013-10-04

About this course


What to Expect
Together with a whole network of media researchers, creators and students we will:
- learn storytelling basics such as antagonist/protagonist relationships, narrative/narrated time, ...
- have a look at exciting current media projects
- analyze how they are designed and executed based on aforementioned basics
- and discuss how (and if) new online tools and formats change the way stories are told and perceived.

It will offer weekly video material, lessons, interviews and tasks on the following topics (not necessarily in this order):
- storytelling basics
- serial formats (on the TV, web and beyond)
- storytelling in role-playing games
- interactive storytelling in video games
- transmedia storytelling
- alternate-reality gaming
- augmented reality and location-based storytelling
- the role of tools, interfaces and information architectures in current storytelling.

Our first Storytelling-MOOC will focus on fictional formats.

Inspire and Help Understand
Our goal is to inspire and help understand. To broaden our horizon of what is and might be possible and what has already been attempted, and what has succeeded or even failed - and why.
In several little tasks you'll analyze and practice storytelling on your own and in teams.

Why this MOOC is Interdisciplinary
Based at the Design Department at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam, this MOOC is not only interdisciplinary, but also includes guest lectures and project presentations by game designers, writers, transmedia producers, TV makers, executives and theorists from many different fields of study. We will thus be able to discuss content, structures and technologies from various perspectives.

Learning Outcomes
Our MOOC will help you answer the following questions:
1. How do fictional stories work? Which structures and mechanics are used?
2. How do new technologies influence the ways stories are told and perceived - and which new media formats have been developed during the last years?
3. How can technologies, interfaces and visuals engage an audience fast and continuously?
4. How can I develop and implement my own story-ideas - on my own or in teams?

Prior Knowledge
No prior knowledge of storytelling mechanics is needed, but can be helpful.
Interest in creative processes and new technologies is welcome and encouraged.
- You don't know what an alternate-reality game, RPG or transmedia storytelling is? - Great, you'll learn it here.
- You are a storytelling professional? - Great, we hope to inspire you. Please feel free to help us inspire others by sharing interesting links, events and projects on our Facebook page.

For updates and more on our MOOC go to: https://www.facebook.com/TheFutureOfStorytellingMooc
Twitter: @crossmedienne @julianvandieken #storymooc

FAQ
How much does it cost me to take part?
Our MOOC is free of charge for anyone interested worldwide. However, how much of your free time you invest is up to you.

When will this course start?
This MOOC will start on October 25th, 2013 and run for eight weeks until December 20th, 2013.

How much time will I need to participate?
From just watching the video lessons (about 20-30 min per week) to engaging in discussions and tasks (about 2-4 hours per week), exploring our reading list and even presenting your own current projects via essays or video link on our Facebook page, your involvement is entirely up to you. The more you engage yourself, the more you gain.

Is this course only available in English?
Yes, for now. Due to technical and production time restrictions, we will only be able to offer this first MOOC in ONE language. As English is the language most applying students here share, we decided to go for it. However, we are looking for options to make this course available in other languages.

My written English is not that good. Can I still participate in the tasks?
Of course! Although language is an important part of storytelling in general, great works have been created without even a single audible word (e.g. silent movies). We are working on making our tasks as language-independent as possible. Good grammar and spelling skills are not the only key to succeeding in this course.

Will there be a second edition/run of this course?
Not for now. Although we would love to create and host a so-to-speak "2nd season" of this MOOC, there are no definite plans yet. This experience will therefore be unique for now.