MDST 520G

Digital Storytelling

4 Graduate credits
Effective December 15, 2016 – Present

Graduation requirements this course fulfills

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.

Special information

Note: MDST 520G is restricted to graduate students admitted into the Master of Technical Communication program; contact Dr. Victoria Sadler at Victoria.sadler@metrostate.edu for more information.

Learning outcomes

General

  • Ability to evaluate and implement digital storytelling tools that can be used in both personal and professional contexts
  • 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