Time Schedule:
Amoshaun Phynn Toft
BISMCS 472
Bothell Campus
Provides focused study and production in a specific area of media arts and practice. Recommended: BISMCS 343.
Class description
Community Storytelling in Radio
Stories are an important cultural resource across cultures and time. From fairytales and youtube videos to political advertisements and hard news, stories help us to make sense of the world and find our place in it. We will examine why some stories stick and others fail to catch on, unpack the stories we tell each other about important social issues, and craft strategic stories aimed at changing the attitudes and beliefs of target audiences.
The course will combine theory and application by focusing on three main areas: a) narrative journalistic techniques, b) audio documentary practices, and c) story-based strategy from the field of community organizing.
First, we will learn about narrative journalism and the use of stories in news and documentaries. Narrative journalism combines the presentation of news and events with personal connection through the use of character development, scene setting, and context.
Second, we will learn how to record, edit, and produce audio documentaries. Sound is a powerful medium, and when used effectively, invites imagination, emotional relation, and identification. We will draw on examples from stories that will make you think, laugh, and cry, and craft stories of our own for the medium of radio.
Third, we will learn how to employ a story-based strategy in community organizing to intervene in how a story is told in our culture and change the story. We will focus on specific social issues (i.e., development, immigration, violence, the environment, etc.), work with community organizations to unpack the dominant narratives that circulate in our culture about that issue, and strategize about alternative stories that help us to change the way we think and act on the issue.
Over the quarter, students will combine these three areas of knowledge by working in small groups to record, write and produce strategic radio stories about an issue of importance. Opportunities will be provided for students to submit their work for broadcast on local radio stations and nationally syndicated radio programs.
Student learning goals
At the end of the quarter, students should be able to: Conduct narrative interviews Record and edit digital audio using Pro Tools Compose and produce true stories in sound Work in a student group effectively Work effectively with a community partner Understand story based strategies for social change Have a basic understanding of one social issue
General method of instruction
Class time will include lecture, discussion, application exercises, and workshops/tutorials on audio recording, editing and production.
Recommended preparation
No expertise in recording, editing audio, or community organizing is required.
Class assignments and grading
Assignments will be based around individual components that build towards a collaborative social change documentary project. This will include: Critiques of audio documentaries Contextual research on project topics Field work and meetings with community partners Meetings within small student groups Audio interviews Documentary scripting Editing and production tasks
