Experiments in Interactive Digital Narrative

Description

This module offers the chance to learn about and experiment with the possibilities of interactive digital narratives. What are interactive digital narratives? In brief, they are stories designed (a) to be read on screen and (b) to give the reader choice about how to navigate them. For example, you might have come across digital adventure stories that read like this: 'You walk up to the house but the door is locked. Do you search for a hidden key or do you break the door down?' Here both 'search' and 'break' will be links so you can choose what you want to do and find out what happens when you do it. Stories like this are widely available online but writers and artists have used the same approach to explore a wider range of human experience than fantasy adventures. Early in the semester we will think about various issues relating to digital narrative: how readers respond to non-linear story-telling, for example, or how digital texts can offer an experience of place. Then you'll create an experimental narrative of your own inspired by your critical reading. You don't need any special knowledge of computers or coding - all that will be taught in the module. The learning you experience as you develop your project will be invaluable if you go on to work in any field where you need to make digital content. Restrictions on availability: The module is suitable for students who have taken English modules at previous levels. Teaching methods: Lectures, Seminars, Independent Study Assessment: Course work, Project/ portfolio Restrictions: The module is suitable for students who have taken English modules at previous levels. Staff Contact: STEADMAN-JONES RICHARD D Teaching Methods: Lectures, Seminars, Independent Study Assessment: Course work, Project/ portfolio Information on the department responsible for this unit (English): Departmental Home Page Teaching timetable | NOTE The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. URLs used in these pages are subject to year-on-year change. For this reason we recommend that you do not bookmark these pages or set them as favourites. Teaching methods and assessment displayed on this page are indicative for 2026-27.