Environmental Storytelling for Social Change
ARTS105
Description
Humans make sense of the world, and choose how to act within it, through the medium of storytelling. American pragmatist and philosopher Kenneth Burke argues that stories shape our thoughts and reality. More specifically, for this class, they are our most ancient and advanced tools for changing minds. Thus social change cannot happen without storytelling. In this class, students will learn how to construct the stories that drive and guide environmental intervention. Students will also learn practical strategies for engaging in the struggle over narrative, and how to deal with the increasing agency of individuals to decide which stories are worth listening to. Great stories demand an audience; great stories about our world, and its problems, demand action. Storytelling organizes and mobilizes people, spurs donations, and shapes public opinion. Nonprofits, foundations, and socially responsible businesses are looking for people who know how to leverage effective stories to drive action and energize supporters. This class will teach students how to tell those kinds of stories about environmental issues, and become changemakers in their profession.
Dates
Apr 8, 2024 — May 12, 2024
May 20, 2024 — Jun 23, 2024
Location
Distance Education - Online
