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 Theory and Practice of Non-linear and Interactive   posted by  duggu   on 12/9/2007  Add Courseware to favorites Add To Favorites  
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Abstract/Syllabus:

Barrett, Edward, 21W.765J Theory and Practice of Non-linear and Interactive Narrative, Spring 2003. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology: MIT OpenCourseWare), http://ocw.mit.edu (Accessed 09 Jul, 2010). License: Creative Commons BY-NC-SA

A frame from Thomas Edison's 1896 film 'Clark's Thread Mill.'

 

A frame from Thomas Edison's 1896 film "Clark's Thread Mill." (Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.)

Course Highlights

This course features example student projects, as well as a comprehensive related resources section.

Course Description

This class covers a range of topics including hypertext, interactive cinema, games, installation art, and soundscapes. It examines the potential for dynamic narrative in traditional media like novels and films and as well as in computer-based stories and games. The course focuses on the creation of electronic stories and games using simple authoring systems and multimedia software tools. Students present and constructively critique one another's work in progress in a workshop setting aimed at expanding the representational powers of a new creative medium.

 

*Some translations represent previous versions of courses.

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Staff

Instructor:
Prof. Edward Barrett

Course Meeting Times

Lectures:
Two sessions / week
1.5 hours / session

Level

Undergraduate / Graduate

*Translations

  • Chinese (Traditional)

 

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Syllabus

 
 
Let's tell some stories. Rich, wonderful stories, with many voices and interpretations, many possibilities and outcomes. Stories to be told, seen, programmed. Stories to be shared and to be shaped. Sitting around a campfire, clicking on a link, capturing on film, beating the boss, improvising on stage, being part of life.

Don't we all have stories to tell?

This course has been offered since 1992. Formerly entitled "Structure and Interpretation of Non-linear and Interactive Narrative", it examines the potential for dynamic narrative in traditional media like novels and films and as well as in computer-based stories and games. The course focuses on the creation of electronic stories and games using simple authoring systems and multimedia software tools. Students present and constructively critique one another's work in progress in a workshop setting aimed at expanding the representational powers of a new creative medium.

Class is a mix of lectures and workshop discussion of student projects, with emphasis upon workshop discussion of assignments leading up to your final projects. Class will cover a range of topics drawn from the following: hypertext, interactive cinema, games, installation art, and soundscapes.

Grading will be portfolio based, with a review of your creative work in three assignments, two preliminary pieces and a final, larger-scale project. Students may work on projects individually or in small collaborative groups. In-class presentations account for most of your grade. Attendance is mandatory since your discussion of student work is also a major element of this class.


Projects

The primary focus of the class is the development of narrative projects. Projects can be web sites, computer games, live action role-playing games, videos or improv performances. Students are invited to propose interesting projects to illustrate their perspectives of the subject matter. All project proposals must be approved by the instructors.

Students have to complete three main projects, evenly scheduled through the semester:

  • Hypertext (individual or group) (Week 2-5)
  • Film/Performance (group) (Week 6-9)
  • Game (group) (Week 10-13)

At the end of a semester, an informal award ceremony will give bragging rights to students who have completed exceptional work.


Grading

  • 25% Hypertext Project
  • 25% Film/Performance Project
  • 25% Game Project
  • 25% Class Participation

Attendance is mandatory. Three unexcused absences will result in a reduction of one letter grade.

 

Calendar

 
 
SES # TOPICS
1 Intro to Workshop
2 Class Discussion of Key Terms: Definitions of "Interactive", "Non-linear", "Narrative", "Moose". Past Projects
3 Recommendation: Visit Paul Pfeiffer Exhibit at List Visual Arts Center
4 Kurt Squire on Games

After Class: Read some Articles on Hypertext
5 Walter Holland on Gaming and Hypertext

PDAs Distributed
6 Zesiger Center Site Visit
What rhymes with "Zesiger"?

1st Assignment Development Time
7 Discussion of Mural at Zesiger Center, Review of Projects from Previous Years
8 Bill Arning, List Gallery curator, on Narrative (Real) Spaces and Curatorial Theory
9 Review of 1st Assignment
10 Review of 1st Assignment
11 2nd Assignment Discussion and Development Time
12 2nd Assignment Development Time
13 Four Simultaneous Film Screenings: Timecode
14 Discussion of Timecode
15 2nd Assignment Development Time
16 Review of 2nd Assignment
17 Glorianna Davenport on Interactive Cinema
18 Revenge of 2nd Assignment
19 Last 2nd Assignment for next 50 miles
20 Overflow Assignments, Live Action Roleplaying
21 Final Assignment Development Time
22 Final Assignment Development Time
23 Review of Final Assignment
24 Review of Final Assignment
25 Review of Final Assignment
26 Review of Final Assignment

 




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