MDST 420 Digital Storytelling
Digital storytelling is a growing area of multimodal communication that is part of a larger movement to empower communities and voices through the use of digital tools and platforms. Digital stories are short videos that combine narration, images (still and moving), sound effects, and music to tell a compelling story. Students will create two digital stories: a personal story and a story that promotes a cause or organization (e.g., a Kickstarter-style video). The process will include multiple rough cuts and a final version of each video, as well as extensive instructor and peer feedback.
Prerequisites: 300-level MDST or WRIT course.
Special information
4 Undergraduate credits
Effective December 16, 2024 to present
Learning outcomes
General
- Understanding of digital storytelling as a participatory movement to engage and empower diverse voices
- Ability to implement the essentials of storytelling, including narrative curve, pacing, detail, and voice.
- Ability to use story circles, storyboards, peer feedback and revision to build and refine digital stories
- Ability to integrate narrative, sound, and visuals into compelling short videos.
- Understanding of how digital storytelling fundamentals apply to corporate or organizational media communication scenarios
- Understanding of legal and ethical issues with respect to multimedia, including copyright, attribution, and media permissions.
- Contribution to a community of creators with timely submission of work and substantive feedback on drafts
Fall 2025
| Section | Title | Instructor | books | eservices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | Digital Storytelling | Bennett Guzman, Ricardo | Books for MDST-420-50 Fall 2025 | Course details for MDST-420-50 Fall 2025 |