Teaching directory
Course 2023-2024

Analysis of media narratives [EINCB264]

  • 5 credits
  • 30h+15h
  • 1st quarter
Language of instruction: French / Français

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • analyze audiovisual media productions, particularly their interactive forms, using methods, concepts and tools from different disciplines: narratology, ludology, journalism studies, intermedia studies, etc;
  • understand the specific narrative and expressive characteristics of the various media studied (video games, literature, web art, cinema, journalism), as well as the issues involved in their hybridization (in digital literature, transmedia narration and intermedia references, among others);
  • recognize, define and discuss the central concepts required for the first two learning outcomes;
  • appropriate the concepts discussed in class, and mobilize them in the creation of an interactive narrative;
  • develop a reflexive analysis of their own creative practice and of the media productions presented in class, and clearly communicate the results of this analysis.

Objectives

The course "Analysis of media narratives" (EINCB264) is designed to introduce students to the specific and cross-disciplinary issues of digital media, taking as their point of entry the new forms of narrative that are developing in these media.

Content

Introduction to various approaches in narratology and study of current forms of interactive storytelling (video games, visual novels, digital literature, etc.).

Introduction to game design and to video game creation with the help of an accessible engine (Bitsy). Accompanied creation (during practical sessions) of a game based on the concepts seen in class.

Study of media relationships and how they determine narration.

 


Teaching methods

The course will alternate between the following modalities :

  • lectures
  • group work
  • creative workshops
  • experiential teaching
  • feedbacks from specialists
  • plenary debates
  • metacognitive reflection on teaching and learning methods
  • formative self-assessment.

Evaluations

Formative assessment will be carried out throughout the sessions via short sequences of multiple-choice questions using WooClap or other survey tools. In this way, students will also be invited to regularly evaluate the teaching methods in terms of their relevance to their own learning expectations.

Certifying assessment will take place in an examination session, in two parts:

  • a presentation, in pairs, of a video game prototype (which students will be asked to develop throughout the semester), with reflective feedback on how it illustrates one or more concepts seen in class;
  • an individual interview during which students will be questioned about the course, based on a list of questions they will have prepared in advance.

Evaluation criteria :

  • Participation in practical sessions
  • Delivery of the interactive game/narrative
  • Understanding of the concepts presented in class
  • Ability to use the concepts learned in class to create an interactive narrative
  • Ability to describe clearly the concepts taught in class and to express clearly the analyses mobilizing them
  • Ability to self-evaluate and provide critical feedback.

Note: the assessment does not focus on the graphic or technical quality of the prototype developed, but only on its ability to reflect on the concepts covered in class.

Recommended readings

Course materials, as well as articles, texts and works discussed in class, will be provided to students in due course.

Language of instruction

French / Français

Location for course

NAMUR

Organizer

Faculté des sciences économiques, sociales et de gestion
Rue de Bruxelles, 61
5000 NAMUR

Degree of Reference

Undergraduate Degree