In 2008, Nicholas Carr asked everyone on the internet, “Is Google making us stupid?” The answer seems to be yes, and no. The immediate availability of boundless stores of information gives us all a crutch to lean on when we need quick answers; if you have a smartphone in your pocket, you are a walking encyclopedia. But only so much information will fit on a smartphone screen, and our collective attention spans have shrunken to the point where I’m lucky if you’re still reading this. 96% of all clicks on Google search results go to the first 10 listings.

This course will give you an opportunity to both understand and participate in new forms of storytelling that are emerging in our digital media world. We will re-learn the art of creative self-expression in ways that both respect tried-and-true dimensions of narratology, and respond to our new, fast-paced ways of interacting with content online. We will learn from and dissect the films, stories, and interactive sites created by today’s leading digital media producers, and we will put these lessons to use as you create engaging, self-expressive narratives of your own. Learn craft, process, and how to use digital media to tell the stories that matter most to you.

Students will focus first on the written text for each project, and will be guided through a series of drafts, receiving peer and instructor feedback each step of the way. As you integrate sound and image into each project, you will explore both the technical logistics and the intellectual/aesthetic considerations inherent to producing coherent work in this medium. Students will read and view a wide range of exemplary and instructional texts, learning to read and view closely and critically.

This course provides a good introduction to the arts of storytelling and critical reading. The skills learned will give students an advantage in any introductory-level humanities college course, from English to Media Studies. In addition, the final projects produced by students can be a useful addition to any college admissions portfolio, as examples of creative ability. The course website will serve as a showcase for all final projects.

Course objectives

  • Articulate your motivation and goals for writing
  • Write a draft narrative and incorporate feedback into the revision process
  • Capture, export, and upload video footage
  • Cut, crop, and use basic transitional and effects tools
  • Tell a story with the camera and the editing suite
  • Apply fundamentals of the creative commons licensing regime and identify resources
  • Plan a day’s shoot and entire workflow and production schedule
  • Put on the finishing touches and reflect on the project as a whole

Prerequisites

  • Working familiarity with the video editing software that you are using for your project, such as Photo Story, iMovie, Final Cut Express, and MovieWorks. Note a free software option will be suggested within the course.

Technical requirements

  • Computer with an internet connection
  • Internet access
  • Internet browser
  • Headphones or speakers
  • Microphone
  • Valid and active Brown ID (you will receive these credentials upon registering for the course)

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Brown University Online Courses
Refund Policy: Students who withdraw before the class starts will receive a full refund less $300 non-refundable deposit. Students who withdraw after the start of class through the fifth day of class will receive a 50% refund, less $300 non-refundable deposit. Students who withdraw after the fifth day of class will not be eligible for a refund.