With globalization bridging distances and cultures and the lightning-fast speed of digital modes of transmission of information and delivery of media, the way we tell stories, as well as the manner in which these stories are consumed and shared, seem to be in a state of constant flux.

21st century narrative media come in many shapes and sizes, from movies, books and tv shows to Instagram stories, works of fan fiction, roleplay and cosplay, and open-world video games, with the modern-day media consumer increasingly taking charge of the stories they want to live and tell. In the summer semester of 2021, the NELK team invites students to explore the notion of experimental and interactive storytelling through an innovative teaching workshop. The workshop will comprise an exercise course co-taught by Ashumi Shah and Danica Stojanovic, who will be focusing on concepts of experimental literature and metamodern narration. Course participants will be divided up into two project groups which will dive into key aspects of experimental and interactive storytelling through exemplary case studies. Topics for discussion include:

• Adaptations and retellings
• Roleplay and cosplay
• Videogames and board games
• Comics, manga and anime
• Literary events and pilgrimages
• Fandoms and fan practices
• Choose-your-own-adventure texts
• Social media stories
• Celebrity and public figure stories

The teaching workshop will conclude with a student conference in July 2021, in which students present and discuss case studies of their choice. The student conference invites further discussion and inquiry into the dynamic practices of storytelling and broadens the scope of application of cultural and narrative theory.

For the conference Zoom details, please write to: ashumi.shah@philhist.uni-augsburg.de

Friday, 16 July 2021

Saturday, 17 July 2021