Narratio Learning Community Narrative, story, telling, relating

Narratio Introduction Stories. They are all around us, from fairy tales we heard as children to the books we read and the films we see as adults. We encounter narratives in family histories, on television, in the news, in political speeches—just about everywhere.

In Narratio, we study narrative— how narratives work, how they affect our lives, how we can employ them effectively and respond to them in a critically aware fashion. We learn about narratives in many forms, including literature, film, and a range of other media.

Why study narratives? Narratives have always played a central role in literary studies, history, film studies, journalism, communications, and many other fields.

In recent years, new fields have incorporated narrative studies. In business, “corporate storytelling” has emerged as an important concept in marketing and public relations. “Narrative medicine” has become a part of medical training, with doctors developing “the capacity to recognize, absorb, metabolize, interpret, and be moved by stories” as they diagnose their patients (Dr. Rita Charon, Columbia University Medical Center)

In Narratio, students will… Develop skills to recognize and analyze the characteristics of narrative form Discover how narrative both reflects and shapes the diverse experiences of people locally, globally and historically Demonstrate an understanding of narrative through integration of key concepts in a variety of modes, including writing and visual media

Courses Literature and Diversity (ENGL 113) Media and Society (JMA 240) Thinking and Writing Across the Curriculum (UCOR 101) Research and Information Skills (UCOR 100)

Literature and Diversity We will examine ways that authors and filmmakers from a variety of ethnic backgrounds have employed narrative as a form of cultural and artistic expression. The course will survey modes of storytelling as expressed in a variety of media and across multiple cultural traditions. Fulfills the University Core Curriculum Global Diversity requirement.

Media and Society Explores the social impact of mass communication through considerations of the (1) functions and uses of all forms of mass communication; (2) socio- political and cultural context of media institutions, delivery systems, technology and diffusion; (3) influence of media content on social constructions of reality; and (4) major theories and research through which we attempt to understand this impact.

Thinking and Writing Across the Curriculum UCOR 101 is designed to help prepare students for their collegiate and professional careers. To help advance this part of our agenda you will be expected to read and write, a lot, and often. With these twin goals of creating knowledge and preparation for a lifetime of writing in mind, our course will also give special consideration to topics dealing with narration, diversity, journeys, representations of the self, and experiences.

Research and Information Skills Use information ethically in an academic setting Access library databases and books Find scholarly resources for your coursework Evaluate the quality of information

For More Information Contact Dr. Tom Kinnahan, English Department