2014-15 Spring

The Art of Narrative in Drama

(HART 1039)



1 Credit | Can be used to fulfill Common Core Requirement (Core Elective: Arts Area)
Teaching Medium: English

Course Description

Narrative is found in all forms of expressive arts. In drama, making a narrative is sometimes simply called story-telling, which is one of the earliest forms of performance. Understanding the art of narrative is fundamental to understanding and appreciating drama and other performing arts. Narrative forms, or stories, are building blocks of our cultural identity. The artistic skills of story-telling are therefore crucial in life events wherever communication of ideas and meaning-making of life experience is necessary. In this highly practical course, students will learn about how to structure a narrative by applying various drama and aesthetic elements. Through individual, paired and small group exercises, students will learn to narrate stories from various perspectives, investigate the use of dramatic language, acquire vocal and physical skills to make the story-telling more vivid and meaningful. By the end of the course, each student will create and perform a piece of original story-telling.


  1. Demonstrate understanding about the principles and skills of story-telling in class activities
  2. Work collaboratively and individually to create and present stories with clear theme and purposes
  3. Develop artistic and practical abilities to apply story-telling skills for everyday life purposes
  4. Perform with appropriate story content and performing skills in the final performance
  5. Make critical, specific reflection and comments on oneself and peers

PHASE 1: Basic understanding of story-telling

Week 1: Basic principles of story-telling

Week 2: Basic skills of story-telling with short stories

Week 3: Sequencing the events and describing the feelings

Week 4: Telling stories from different perspectives

Week 5: Tensions, Focus, Dialogues

Week 6: Mood and Atmosphere

Week 7: Engaging the Body, Voice and Space

 

PHASE 2: Creative Process and Performance

Week 8: Target Audience and Purpose

Week 9: Structuring the Story

Week 10: Polishing and practicing

Week 11: Rehearsal and Feedbacks

Week 12-13: Final Presentation and Reflection

  1. Holt, David and Bill Mooney. 1997. The Storyteller's Guide. Little Rock: August House Publishers
  2. Yolen, Jane. 1987. Favorite Folktales From Around the World. New York: Pantheon

  1. Haseman, Brad and O’Toole John. 1989. Dramawise: An Introduction to the Elements of Drama. Heinemann Educational Australia
  2. Collins, Rives and Pamela Cooper. 1997. The Power of Story: Teaching Through Storytelling. Scottsdale, AZ: Gorsuch Scarisbrick Publishers

Enrolment Details

Course Registration : 08-08 Oct 2024
Add/Drop : 08-08 Oct 2024


Instructor

Krissy Yin LAM


Assessment

Attendance 10%
Course Participation 35%
Critical Commentary 25%
Final Performance 30%