26/07/2004 - modified prereqs following first offering of unit within BMS and reassessment of prereq skills

The unit aims to develop the student's knowledge of the concept of narrative structure, and its importance in the development of their understanding of how to create, and implement contextually appropriate narrative forms for multimedia products and systems.

Topics will include: linear, visual and non-linear narrative, historical perspectives on the evolution of the narrative forms, and concepts such as representation, characterization, point of view, genre, closure, the role of the user, interactivity, immersion and engagement.

Students will learn the varied forms of narrative structure and the main techniques of narrative construction which are used in different media. Students will also learn to create user-centred interactive narratives for use in the business, entertainment, education and social environments.

Teaching will comprise two hours of lectures and two hours of seminars per week.

The lectures will establish the broad theoretical framework for an understanding of the basic concepts of narrative structure (C1-3, S2-3) and the ways in which they might be applied in the development of multimedia products and systems.(C3, A2-4 and P2) A variety of narrative models and forms will be explored including traditional media and their evolution into the multimedia environment (C1-3; A2-3; P2-4 and S1-3). Teaching will be focused on developing a critical understanding of the ways in which narrative affects both the user's experience of the multimedia product (A1; P4 and S2) and the ways in which the developer might represent information within a narrative format (C1, A2-4; P1-3 and S1-2). The lectures will also introduce students to contemporary trends and future developments in the area with guest lectures from industry representatives discussing their work (C3; A4; P4 and S1-3).

The seminars will require students to analyse and critically evaluate narrative structures and the techniques used in a variety of media including; video, audio, games, and other multimedia formats (A1-3; P2-4 and S1-2). Students will also focus on the role such formats play in the user's experience (A1; P3-4 and S2 ). Students will work in a laboratory environment in both groups and individually on the development of narrative structures for use in multimedia projects (P1-3 and A1-4).

Assessment Task 1: Linear Narrative Project and Analysis: 30%

Assessment Task 2: Visual Narrative Project and Analysis: 30%

Assessment Task 3: Non-Linear Narrative Project: 40%

The assignment task and major project are designed to extend and enhance the development of the unit objectives as follows:

Linear Narrative Project and Analysis encompasses objectives C1-2; A1-4; P1-4 and S1-3.

Visual Narrative Project and Analysis encompasses objectives C1-2; A1-4; P1-4 and S1-3.

Non-Linear Narrative Project encompasses objectives C 2-3; A1-4; P1, 3-4 and S1-3.

• Software Title:
• Vendor:
• Version:
• OS: MS Windows XP ( ) and/or LINUX ( )
• License Details: (A valid software license certificate/s or Vendor permission must be available upon request if the software is to be installed for teaching)
• Are we currently licensed: Yes ( ) or No ( ) (If unsure, please check with your local IT support )
• If (Yes), who is the contact person for this software?:
• If (No), will the software license be arranged by: Staff member requesting the software ( ) or Technical Services* ( ) ? *If the latter is selected, please discuss your requirement/s with myself ASAP, prior to finalising your request, as there could be financial or resourcing implications.
• Is the software to be installed and accessed from a: Client/Workstation ( ), or Server ( ) ?
• Type of license: Site License ( ), Freeware ( ), FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) ( ), Shareware ( ), Lab based ( ) # of Licenses needed ____
• In what week will you commence using the software in class? Semester 1 (Week ___ ) and/or Semester 2 (Week ___ ):
• Nominated Staff For Acceptance Testing Software: (Name) (Phone) (Email)
• Additional Information: Special Requirements, Software Configuration/Installation Requirements, etc:

Macromedia Director, Flash, Dreamweaver Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator

MMS2402