Fundamentals of StorytellingLaajuus (5 ECTS)

Objective

Students know the conventions of television script writing and storytelling and understand their role in cinematic expression and journalistic stories. Students know the key dramaturgic concepts of film and television storytelling. They are familiar with the types, formats and structures of television programs and films. Students know the conventional structure of a feature film and television report.

Students know the main genres of each program type. Students are able to analyze the dramatic structure of a program. Students can make a detailed analysis of the layers of a screenplay in reference to form, video, sound and dialogue. Students can assess the relation between the screenplay and the completed film or television program.

Content

- Cinematic storytelling techniques
- Dramatic arc, fundamentals of dramaturgy, basic dramatic elements
- The three-act structure and its variations
- Dimensions of a dramatic character
- Genres
- Impact of genre on storytelling
- Screenplay and the completed program
- Storytelling through screenplay, audio and video

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Attendance in classes. Assignments completed. Some parts of the assignments need improvement.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Active participation in classes. Ability to apply the learned knowledge.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Active participation in classes. Ability to apply the learned knowledge and to reflect on it. Development driven approach to coursework. Generation of new knowledge in order to contribute to the class.