Course coordinator
Dr Leah Henrickson
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
Stories are powerful, and they are everywhere. And, through digital media, we have more opportunities to make, share, and consume stories than ever before. In this course, theory and practice are blended to encourage students to consider the many ways in which stories may be told and received using digital media. Students develop the skills to critically analyse digital stories through narrative and media analysis. They also develop the skills to create their own digital stories for education, entertainment, and profit.
Course contact
Course staff
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Whilst every effort is made to place students in their preferred activity, it is not always possible for a student to be enrolled in their tutorial of choice. If you require assistance, please ensure that you email timetabling.commarts@enquire.uq.edu.au from your UQ student email with:
- Your name
- Your student ID
- The course code
- A list of three tutorial preferences (in order of preference)
- Reason for the change – e.g. timetable clash, elite athlete status, SAP
Teaching staff do not have access to change tutorials or help with timetables; all timetabling changes must be processed through the Timetabling Team.
Aims and outcomes
This course equips students with foundational knowledge and skills related to digital storytelling. Students develop their abilities to analyse and create stories in a variety of digital forms, for educational, entertainment, and commercial purposes.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate knowledge of relevant theories and conventions related to narrative structures.
LO2.
Critically evaluate digital narratives in multimedia forms.
LO3.
Produce short digital stories that effectively and affectively communicate intended messages.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique | Reflective Essay: Effect, Affect, Interpretation | 40% 1500 words |
16/09/2024 4:00 pm |
| Project | Final Project: Digital Story | 60% |
25/10/2024 4:00 pm |
Assessment details
Reflective Essay: Effect, Affect, Interpretation
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 40% 1500 words
- Due date
16/09/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
Select one digital story in any format. Write an essay of 1,500 words (+/- 10%, excluding the references list) that includes, in whatever order you feel is most appropriate:
- An introductory paragraph, which outlines what will be discussed
- A description of your selected story
- Critical consideration of the message your story is trying to convey (i.e. its effect)
- Critical consideration of how your story tries to convey that message (i.e. its affect)
- An analysis of how your story’s effect and affect contribute to the audience's interpretation and experience of the story
- A concluding paragraph, which summarises what has been discussed
All of these elements must come together to form a cohesive and compelling argument that relates to core course concepts. To recall these course concepts, refer to the titles of the course's lectures. You are being evaluated on (1) your knowledge of relevant theories and conventions related to narrative structures and (2) your ability to critically evaluate digital narratives in multimedia forms.
You should use the ‘I’ pronoun if doing so helps you more clearly express your ideas, but you are still expected to maintain an academic tone throughout your essay. If images help you articulate your ideas, you are welcome (but not required) to include them; if included, you must explicitly introduce, explain, and respond to these images in the body of your text, and they must include figure labels (e.g. ‘Figure 1’) and explanatory captions (neither included in the word count).
Your submission must include references to at least five academic sources. These references must be integrated through in-text citations, and must adhere to APA style.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
The assessment will be submitted electronically via TurnItIn.
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Final Project: Digital Story
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
25/10/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03
Task description
Produce a digital story in a format of your choosing. The experience of the study must last at least two minutes. It must contain at least two of these elements: text, graphics, animation, video, sound, narration, and/or interactive functionality. Your digital story must be accompanied by a brief text-based personal reflection of no more than 150 words. This reflection may summarise what is included in your story, note what inspired the story, and/or speak to your own experiences with the story-making process. The reflection itself is not marked, but it will inform the marker's reception of your story. It is in essence an ‘artist's statement’ to contextualise your work.
Storytelling is a personal experience. For this assessment, your experiences and/or perspectives should be the focus of your story. Do not tell someone else’s story – tell your own.
You are being evaluated on your ability to produce a short digital story that effectively and affectively communicates an intended message. To do this, you will need to demonstrate knowledge of relevant theories and conventions related to narrative structures. Your submission does not need to include any academic references, but must clearly speak to core course concepts. To recall these course concepts, refer to the titles of the course's lectures. This assessment will require you to self-sufficiently direct some of your own media training; recommendations for training opportunities will be made available on the course's Learn page.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
The assessment will be submitted electronically via Blackboard. Before submitting any assessments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
- Where fractional marks occur in the calculation of the final grade, a mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%.
- Where no assessable work is received, a Grade of X will apply. ﾠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- Further information regarding the assessment, including marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
- Marks Cannot Be Changed After Being Released: Marks are not open to negotiation with course staff. If you wish to discuss the feedback you have received, you should make an appointment to speak with the Course Coordinator.
- Assessment Re-mark: If you are considering an Assessment Re-mark, please follow the link to important information you should consider before submitting a request.
- Integrity Pledge: Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Modules.ﾠIn uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.
- Withholding marks prior to finalisation of grades: Per UQ Assessment Procedures – Release of Assessment Item Marks and Grades: The final assessment item and the marks for the assessment item are to be released only after the final grade for the course has been released.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
Week 1: Introduction Course introduction. Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 2: Defining Digital Storytelling Defining key terms. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 2: Defining Digital Storytelling Defining key terms. Learning outcomes: L02 |
|
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 3: The Storied Self Narrative selfhood. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 3: The Storied Self Positionality mapping. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 4: Classical Digital Storytelling The classical digital storytelling model. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 4: TUTORIALS CANCELLED |
|
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 5: NO LECTURE |
Tutorial |
Week 5: Classical Digital Storytelling The classical digital storytelling model. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 6: Intertwingularity Intertwingularity and hypertext. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 6: Intertwingularity Hypertextual narratives (Twine). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 7: Transformativity Transforming existing content and transforming audiences. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 7: Transformativity Uncreative writing, memeing, and remixing. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 8: Multimodality Multimodality, multimedia, and transmedia. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 8: Multimodality The New London Group's five communicative modes. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 9: Everyday Digital Storytelling Digital storytelling in everyday contexts (e.g. marketing). Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 9: Everyday Digital Storytelling (UQ Art Museum Visit) UQ Art Museum field trip. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 10: Interactivity and Embodiment Physical experiences of digital story audiences. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 10: Interactivity and Embodiment Critical digital gameplay. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 11: The Future of Digital Storytelling Possibility spaces and course conclusion. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 11: The Future of Digital Storytelling Scenario planning. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 12: NO LECTURE |
Tutorial |
Week 12: Assessment Clinic Digital story preparation and feedback. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 13: NO CLASSES |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.