Transmedia Narratives and Digital Literacy
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| INCM3069 | School of International Communications | 3 | 20 | Spring China |
- Code
- INCM3069
- School
- School of International Communications
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring China
Summary
This module examines the concept of transmedia narrative. This refers to narratives spread across multiple delivery channels such as books, comics, movies, video games, TV series, radio programs and websites with each part making distinctive contributions to an understanding of the fictional universe. We will trace the history of this idea, looking at the conceptual changes that it is producing on the classical idea of narrative as active consumers expand their knowledge of the fictional universe by using various media platforms. We will also look at how it is changing the idea of adaptation in terms of fidelity/intertextuality/synergy. In addition we will analyse how this new way of storytelling is related with media companies’ structures, new technologies and the concept of “Participatory Culture”. The module provide a series of practical workshops. During the practical workshops students will learn how to use software to create their own transmedia narratives.
Please note: This module is assessed at the end of Spring semester. First sit/ Re-sit exams are scheduled normally in the summer and can take the same form as the missing/ failed component of the assessment (exam, essay etc.) or other form, as decided by the School.
Target Students
BA students in International Communications and related programmes at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China
Classes
- One 2-hour workshop each week for 10 weeks
- One 1-hour seminar each week for 10 weeks
- One 1-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks
Assessment
- 100% Project 1: Equivalent 3,500 words + 1,500 words
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
The module drives students to investigate how the production of transmedia stories transforms media consumption from passive to active. In particular, we will focus on which theoretical changes and social consequences this new way of storytelling creates, including the ways we represent and perceive the world around us. Through engaging with these ideas we aim to debate on the way this new culture, helps youths to be aware of and develop their social and practical skills such as negotiation across cultural differences, generation of collaborative problem solving and ability to remix media content. Students will be asked to produce a transmedia narrative, contextualise and analyse it using relevant media theories focusing on the production process.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
A student completing this course will typically have: A2. Knowledge of the concepts of transmedia storytelling, narrative, adaptation and participatory culture; A5. Specialised knowledge, understanding and ability to engage critically with at least two media theory.
Intellectual Skills
By the end of the programme, students should have an ability to: B1. examine a variety of materials including literary texts, movies, TV Series, Plays, Video Games, Websites, Comics. B2. evaluate the reliability and credibility of different information sources. B3. back up arguments with evidence.
Professional/Practical Skills
By the end of the programme, students should be able to: C1. Select, sift and synthesize knowledge from various sources; C2. Identify key elements of a complex narrative, analyse them critically, and link them together in a complex and coherent structure; C4. Use a series of software and IT tools to complete assignments;
Transferable/Key Skills
By the end of the programme, students should be able to: D1. Engage in individual research and present it effectively; D2. Interpret immersive digital environments; D4. Work productively with others in problem solving; D7. remix media content;
Conveners
- Dr Filippo Gilardi