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Section 3

Unit Title Interactive Narrative


Unit Code ACT106
Programme BA (Hons) Design for Interaction
Credits 10 Level 1 Unit Status Mandatory

Contact Time 30 Access to Resources 25 Independent Study 45

This unit aims to introduce students to the concepts of interactive


non-linear narrative.

Non linear storytelling is not a new concept. However, its


development was hampered by the linear nature of the media
available. The advent of digital technologies allows users to interact
Introduction and influence the narrative.

Students will learn how to tell a dramatic, compelling story in which


the sequence of events or the outcome of the story may be
influenced by the intervention of the audience. They will learn to
approach script writing and narrative development in a manner
appropriate to non linear interaction.

Topics which may be covered in the unit may include:

Indicative • Storyline development;


Curriculum • Narrative development for non linearity;
Outline • Writing treatments;
• Script writing for non linear narrative;
• Impact of interaction on drama.

Knowledge and Understanding

1. An understanding of non linear narrative structures and of


“architectures” within non linear narrative; (LO1)
2. An understanding of the interface needs of users in non linear
environments; (LO2)
3. Understand the relationship between content and screen
Unit Learning aesthetics within the non linear narrative genre and how
Outcomes these influence each other. (LO3)

Skill

4. The ability to exploit non linear narrative techniques and


structures to form coherent visual presentations; (LO4)
5. The ability to produce an interactive story using non linear
media. (LO5)

Faculty of Design Definitive Document: 21 July 2006


Section 3

This unit will make use of the following:

• Lectures, which will include architecture and future of


Teaching and interactive narrative;
Learning • Self directed learning and research;
Strategies • Seminar, which will include discussion of research and
concepts;
• Critique of treatment;
• Feedback.

Formative Assessment
Students will receive critique and feedback of concept storylines and
architecture.

Summative Assessment
This includes:

• Treatment (from a list of given topics);


Assessable • The Negotiated Project;
Elements • Project Log.

Each assessed element will contribute to the final grade, in the


proportions shown in the following table:

Assessable Elements Percentage of Final Grade


Treatment 20%
Negotiated Project 60%
Project Log 20%

Faculty of Design Definitive Document: 21 July 2006


Section 3

Student will be assessed on:

Treatment (from a list of given topics)


• The degree to which the treatment sells the given topic; (LO3)
• The degree to which the treatment shows an understanding of
non linear narrative structures. (LO1)

Negotiated Project
Assessment • The degree to which the story exploits the potential of
Criteria interactive media; (LO4)
• The usability of the story interfaces; (LO2)
• The aesthetic match of the content and the story vehicle.
(LO5)

Project Log
• Evidence of exploration of alternative concepts,
representational solutions and narrative structures in the
development of the project. (LO3)

Unit Relevant Books

Field, Syd. (1994) Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting,


Dell.

Cowgill, Linda. (1997) Writing Short Films: Structure and Content for
Screenwriters, Lone Eagle.

Duranti, A. (1992) Rethinking Context: Language as an Interactive


Phenomenon, Cambridge University Press.

Brunhild, Bushoff. (2005) Developing interactive narrative content,


Indicative HighText Verlag.
Reading List Wolf, Mark. and Perron, Bernard. (2003) The video game theory
reader, Routledge.

Unit Relevant Films

Gilliam, Terry. (Dir) (1995) 12 monkeys.

Unit Relevant Websites

http://www.boxesandarrows.com/view/use_of_narrative_in_interactiv
e_design

http://vismod.media.mit.edu/vismod/demos/kidsroom/kidsroom.html

Faculty of Design Definitive Document: 21 July 2006

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