Humans are wired for story. Stories help us make sense of the world, and we remember them better than we do facts and data. If you’ve ever been captivated by a great story, and wondered how you might tell one yourself, this course is for you.
Through a variety of engaging and practical exercises, learn how to write effective stories that capture the hearts of any audience. Topics include the art and science of storytelling, structures to help make your stories flow, as well as tips and tricks for ensuring that you’re delivering your stories with maximum clarity and impact.
Come away with a powerful storytelling toolbox you can use for your blog, memoir, marketing or business communications, and even for speeches, meetings or family gatherings.
Course outline
Week 1: Why Stories Matter and How They Work
Week 2: Story Structures (Forms, Not Formulas)?
Week 3: Finding and Shaping Your Material
Week 4: How to Learn from Contemporary and Classic Stories
Week 5: Tips and Tactics for Taking Your Work to the Next Level
Week 6: Workshopping Your Stories
How am I assessed?
There are no formal grades for this course. You’re given assignments to complete, and you receive individualized feedback from your instructor. This is an active, hands-on course, and you’re encouraged to use your own material to apply your learning. However, you don’t need to have a story in mind, or a project underway. Structured, progressive assignments guide you through the storytelling process.
Expected effort
Expect to spend 2-3 hours per week completing coursework, participating in the online forum, and attending the optional group video chat.
Technology requirements
To take this course, you’ll need access to:
- an email account
- a computer, laptop or tablet under five years old and using Windows or macOS
- the latest version of a web browser (or previous major version release)
- a reliable internet connection.
For virtual office hours, you’ll also need:
- a video camera and microphone.
One day before the start of your course, we’ll email you step-by-step instructions for accessing your course.
Course format
This course is 100% online and instructor supported with weekly instructor office hours. Course work is done independently and at your own pace within deadlines set by your instructor. Log in anytime to your course to access the lessons as they become available.
Weekly office hours
Wednesdays, 5:30-6:15pm Pacific Time
This course offers optional weekly drop-in virtual office hours. Join your instructor and classmates by video conferencing to discuss course materials and assignments, receive feedback and ask questions.
Online materials will be available for three weeks after the course ends, after which time you will no longer be able to access the course.