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Course code
Qualifications are made up of courses. Some universities call these papers. Each course is numbered using six digits.
- 289220
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Level
The fourth number of the course code shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- 200-level
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Credits
Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- 15
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Subject
- Creative Media Production
Course planning information
Course notes
This course explores the fundamental principles of storytelling across film, documentary, games, and animation. Students will investigate how narrative functions differently within each medium while identifying the shared foundations that connect all screen arts. Drawing from both Western narrative theories and indigenous storytelling traditions (with particular focus on Māori concepts of time and narrative), the course provides students with diverse conceptual frameworks for understanding and creating compelling screen narratives. Through a combination of theoretical analysis and practical application, students will develop specialised skills in their chosen medium while gaining cross-media literacy. Weekly lectures and workshops address key narrative elements including character development, world-building, structure, dialogue, and emotional design, examining how these transform across different media contexts. Assessment tasks allow students to demonstrate both medium-specific expertise and broader conceptual understanding, preparing graduates who can excel in their specialised area while collaborating effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
Prerequisite courses
You need to complete the above course or courses before moving onto this one.
General progression requirements
You must complete at least 45 credits from 100-level before enrolling in 200-level courses.Learning outcomes
What you will learn. Knowledge, skills and attitudes you’ll be able to show as a result of successfully finishing this course.
- 1 Analyse narrative structures and techniques across film, documentary, games, and animation, applying diverse theoretical frameworks including Western and Indigenous perspectives. (Graduate profile: Understanding - Mātauranga A2)
- 2 Apply medium-specific storytelling approaches across different screen arts forms, demonstrating understanding of their unique creative affordances and constraints. (Graduate profile: Virtuosity - Mōhio D1)
- 3 Develop specialised skills in narrative design for a chosen medium while demonstrating competency in cross-cultural and cross-media principles. (Graduate profile: Creativity - Toi C3)
- 4 Create original narrative works informed by diverse theoretical understandings, demonstrating ethical awareness of cultural contexts and responsibilities in storytelling. (Graduate profile: Autonomy - Mana E3)
- 5 Critically reflect on own work and the work of others through portfolio development, presentations, and critiques, articulating how narratives transform across different cultural frameworks and media forms. (Graduate profile: Understanding - Mātauranga C2; Connectedness - Whanaungatanga E1)
Learning outcomes can change before the start of the semester you are studying the course in.
Assessments
| Assessment | Learning outcomes assessed | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | 1 2 3 4 5 | 100% |
Assessment weightings can change up to the start of the semester the course is delivered in.
You may need to take more assessments depending on where, how, and when you choose to take this course.
Explanation of assessment types
Explanation of assessment types
- Computer programmes
- Computer animation and screening, design, programming, models and other computer work.
- Creative compositions
- Animations, films, models, textiles, websites, and other compositions.
- Exam College or GRS-based (not centrally scheduled)
- An exam scheduled by a college or the Graduate Research School (GRS). The exam could be online, oral, field, practical skills, written exams or another format.
- Exam (centrally scheduled)
- An exam scheduled by Assessment Services (centrally) – you’ll usually be told when and where the exam is through the student portal.
- Oral or performance or presentation
- Debates, demonstrations, exhibitions, interviews, oral proposals, role play, speech and other performances or presentations.
- Participation
- You may be assessed on your participation in activities such as online fora, laboratories, debates, tutorials, exercises, seminars, and so on.
- Portfolio
- Creative, learning, online, narrative, photographic, written, and other portfolios.
- Practical or placement
- Field trips, field work, placements, seminars, workshops, voluntary work, and other activities.
- Simulation
- Technology-based or experience-based simulations.
- Test
- Laboratory, online, multi-choice, short answer, spoken, and other tests – arranged by the school.
- Written assignment
- Essays, group or individual projects, proposals, reports, reviews, writing exercises, and other written assignments.
Textbooks needed
There are no set texts for this course.