2018-19 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
Lesson 1: Basic principles of story-telling
Lesson 2: Sequencing the events and describing the feelings
Lesson 3: Telling stories from different perspectives
Lesson 4: Tensions, Focus, Dialogues
Lesson 5: Engaging the Body, Voice and Space / Mood and Atmosphere

PHASE 2: Creative Process and Performance
Lesson 6: Target Audience and Purpose
Lesson 7: Structuring the Story
Lesson 8: Polishing and practicing
Lesson 9: Rehearsal and Feedbacks
Lesson 10: Final Presentation and Assessments
Lesson 11: Comments from facilitator; Reflection and sharing of learning experience; Course evaluation

  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 : 24-25 Jan 2019
Add/Drop : 30 Jan 2019-15 Feb 2019


Instructor

Priscilla LAI


Assessment

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

Class Schedule

Thursday | 10:30 - 13:20
Except | 31 Jan, 14 & 21 Feb, 14 & 21 Mar, 2 & 9 May | 10:30 - 12:20

No Class | 7 & 28 Feb, 7 Mar, 18 Apr
LG5201


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