OVERVIEW

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If characteristics of narrative texts can be defined, these characteris- tics can serve as the point of departure for the next phase: a description of the way in which each narrative text is constructed. Then we have a description of a narrative system. On the basis of this description, we can examine the variations that are possible when the narrative system is concretized into narrative texts. This last step presupposes that an infi- nite number of narrative texts can be described using the finite number of concepts contained within the narrative system. (...) the potential of a theory such as narratology also helps to illuminate non-literary texts, such as paintings, films, and more. Mieke Bal.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to analyse new forms of storytelling, from videogames to multimedia shows, from installations to narrative museums. The course compares narratological theories from Aristotle to Genette, questioning techniques, ideologies and methods of the narrative structures. The application of these theories to new media products allows us to offer essential interpretative tools for understanding the meanings and perspectives of multimedia technologies, and at the same time to rethink traditional artistic forms historically, critically and creatively. The first part of the course introduces the main concepts of narratology, through the study of Propp, Tomaševskij, Genette, Greimas’ classical theories. The second part of the course combines the analysis of narrative structures in different media, through close readings of literary, cinematographic and pictorial works, with a workshop-type activity, in which students will work on an multimodal interactive project, critically reflecting on the active dynamics involving the playing between different languages of narration.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course will enable 

1. to understand the main morphological structures of a narrative text (with respect to narratological categories: time, mood, voice)

2. to understand how these structures are applied in intermedial and hypermedia contexts

3. how to employ the structures learned in collaborative projecting interactive multimodal narrative experiences

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge for understanding a narrative in linguistic and / or visual form

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures (both in presence and synchronously online) and seminar workshops for the shared design of multimodal interactions.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1) Introduction to main narratological concepts:

a. narrator, reader, description, storytelling levels

b. order, rhythm, frequency, characters, space, focus, visual stories

c. events, actors, time

2) Application of these narratological principles to the analysis of visual media, visual and interactive installations

3) Design of an Interactive multimedia multimodal interaction dedicated to a fullbody, interactive, experience with visual art images

As active participation in lessons and team projecting experiences are fundamental for the full achievement of the learning objectives,  students unable to attend should define with the teacher some bibliographical integrations.

The course will contribute to achieving the fourth Sustainable Development Goal of the UN 2030 Agenda: Providing quality, equitable and inclusive education and learning opportunities for all.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Mieke Bal, Narratology in Practice, Univ of Toronto Press 2021

Mieke Bal, Narratology. Introduction to the theory of Narrative,Univ of Toronto Press 2017

Jonathan Culler, Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford 2011

* text for the practice of analysis and the development of the project:

Abolqasem Ferdowsi, Shahnameh, Penguin 2016

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

NICOLA FERRARI (President)

GUALTIERO VOLPE

ANTONIO CAMURRI (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

 https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Lessons will start on second semester

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final exam will consist of

a) the discussion of a written narratological analysis dedicated to one of the multimodal installation/experience, presented in the course

b) the discussion of the interactive and multimodal cooperative projects developed and presented in the course.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam will evaluate

1. skills and ownership in the use of the main narratological categories

2. the ability to transfer classical narratological categories in a personal and original way in contexts of multimodal and interactive storytelling

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Non attending students could phone to agree his/her personal program:

39 345 4558112

Students with disabilities or learning disorders are allowed to use specific modalities and supports that will be determined on a case-by-case basis in agreement with the Delegate of the Engineering courses in the Committee for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities. Students are invited to contact the teacher of this course and copy the Delegate (https://unige.it/commissioni/comitatoperlinclusionedeglistudenticondisabilita.html).