This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The proliferation of mobile devices and the rise of participatory culture have had a transformative effect on how moving images are generated and experienced. The ease with which we can now create and share images, audio and video has impacted how stories are told and films are made. This module explores some of the many new forms of content creation and narrative practices that have appeared as a result of this technological and cultural change, and encourages students to engage with these forms critically and creatively. Students will examine digital storytelling as an emergent form of participatory media by exploring new media narrative methods such as vlogs, citizen journalism, social media based storytelling and video essays. Students will create short works in a number of these forms.
Contact hours: 36
Private Study Hours: 264
Total Study Hours: 300
1) Digital story exercises. 70%. Students will work in small groups to create three short videos. These will be weighted as follows: 20% for the first exercise, 20% for the second exercise, 30% for the third exercise.
2) Written work. 30%. A 1000-word critical essay will accompany each digital story exercises outlining theory and process.
Alexander, B. (2017), The New Digital Storytelling: Creating Narratives with New Media. Santa Barbara: Praeger.
Goggin, G., & Hjorth, L. eds. (2014), The Routledge Companion to Mobile Media. New York: Routledge.
Dunford, M., & Jenkins, T., (2017), Digital Storytelling: Form and Content. London: Palgrave Macmillan
Lambert, J. (2013), Digital Storytelling: Capturing Lives, Creating Community (Digital Imaging and Computer Vision). New York: Routledge.
Lovnik, G. & Somers Miles, R., (2011), Video Vortex Reader II: Moving Images Beyond YouTube. Institute of Network Cultures
Snickars, P. & Vondreay, P. (2009), The YouTube Reader. National Library of Sweden.
Vernalis, C., Herzog, A., & Richardson, J. (2013) The Oxford Handbook of Sound and Image in Digital Media. New York: Oxford University Press.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the skills and techniques required to record and edit online content using both cameras and mobile devices;
- Demonstrate understanding of the priorities and practices of video journalism, film ethnography and digital storytelling;
- Conceive and plan a piece of online content using a mobile device;
- Demonstrate the aesthetic, conceptual and technical skills necessary to articulate their ideas audio-visually;
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.