100-level

DISC101
Storytelling for the Digital Screen
Description
What is involved in telling a story for the screen? This course is an introduction to key theoretical concepts and practical issues essential to storytelling in the film, game, and interactive media sectors. Topics include concept and story structure (including linear and branching narrative, thematic cohesion, plot and character development, the role of dialogue, and scripting). Practical issues covered include camera movement, framing and angles, lighting, and the use of colour and sound, the role of the audience and the effect of game mechanics in storytelling. A key theme of the course is an introduction to the ethics of storytelling: what stories do we want to tell, who tells them, and how do we ensure stories are told appropriately?
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
MAOR107
Te Ara o Tawhaki: Maori Thought, Beliefs and Practices
Description
This course provides an introduction to Maori knowledges and metaphysics through a study of topics such as voyaging, art and aesthetics, warfare, conflict and peace. We also look at how approaches to Maori knowledges and their impacts are critiqued.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Semester One 2024 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Restrictions
PACS102
ENGL118
Creative Writing: Skills, Techniques and Practice
Description
This course provides a grounding in the skills, techniques and tricks a writer needs to transform ideas and material into art. Guided exercises will develop students’ creative practice of observation, play and experiment; the study of selected poetry, short prose and dramatic texts will introduce diverse forms and approaches. Students will also develop a feedback and revision practice at the weekly workshops; closely and sensitively engage with both published and peer texts.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points

200-level

DISC212
Screenwriting: research and story development
Description
Students focus on the work of screening that takes place before the actual drafting of a script, including: initial concept or story idea, research, character exploration, dialogue, scene structure and plot development. Written work includes character profiles, plot outlines, a treatment and initial draft. An important feature of the course is feedback, whereby student’s critique and support each other’s projects. Finally, students will learn the essential elements of the screenplay format.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
DISC102

Not Offered Courses in 2024

300-level

TITO301
Indigenous Stories, Digital Realms
Description
This course considers the representation of Indigenous narratives within the digital world. By closely analysing a series of case studies from various media including gaming and VR (virtual realities), as well as trends in film, television, and other media, we discuss thematic and stylistic trends in Indigenous texts as well as production methods and ethics utilised in their creation and development.
Occurrences
Not offered 2024
For further information see TITO301 course details
Points
15 points