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IS30380

Academic Year 2026/2027

Digital Storytelling (IS30380)

Subject:
Information Studies
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Information & Comms Studies
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Marguerite Barry
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module explores how we tell stories with digital media whether for information, news, entertainment, social, educational, political or other purposes. It examines the basic elements of narrative structure and the impact that digital interactivity has on storytelling. Best practice is demonstrated through a variety of formats such as websites, interactive documentary, entertainment & serious games, podcasts, museum interactives etc. Students learn how to critique examples as well as learning how to plan and develop their own interactive content.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Understand the essentials of theory and practice in digital storytelling
2. Recognise and evaluate different forms and characteristics of interactive narratives
3. Identify principles of digital storytelling practice for information professionals
4. Create a plan for an interactive digital adaptation following principles learned in this module

Indicative Module Content:

- Introduction to Digital Storytelling - What is it?
- Storytelling technologies through the ages
- Narrative Theory
- Reading Digitally
- Narrative content: Text, Image, Video, Sound
- Narrative forms: documentary, installation, game design
- Interactivity & Narrative design
- Planning digital stories


The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Specified Learning Activities

40
Autonomous Student Learning

36
Total

100

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module includes lectures and seminars which involve discussion and debate as well and viewing/listening and critical examination of texts and materials. Guest lectures and demonstrations are also included where appropriate.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): This assignment takes the form of a mid-term essay. Week 8 Graded No
40
 No
Individual Project: This final assignments will be a project where you will have the opportunity to tell a story over a number of digital media. Week 12 Graded No
60
 No

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Individual feedback will be provided to students via Brightspace following the submission of assignments.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 31, 32, 33 Mon 10:00 - 11:50
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