2016-17 Fall

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: Short stories and structures of stories
Week 3: Sequencing the events and describing the feelings – based on real life stories
Week 4: Telling stories from different perspectives
Week 5: Dramatic 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 10-11: Practice, 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 : 22-25 Aug 2016
Add/Drop : 01-14 Sep 2016

Instructor

Krissy Yin LAM

Assessment

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

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