The course aims to introduce students to the basic elements of narrative writing and its fundamental structure, with the goal of mastering the principles of writing in a style and form appropriate to the communicative context. Through the analysis of multiple examples and various types of narratives, the course also seeks to provide students with the theoretical and technical tools to critically read and understand a text, and to practically engage with the basic forms of writing.

The lab aims to strengthen the critical perspective and thinking of students and to consolidate their narrative and argumentative skills. The focus will be on the creative process of a story to cultivate an individual authorial voice and to write correct and well-argued texts, while also learning to set up an editing process.

The course, which is laboratory-based, is divided into a theoretical part, with lectures that include a strong interactive component, and a practical part, with writing exercises related to the topics covered during the lectures, aimed at applying and enhancing the knowledge acquired in the classroom. Therefore, although attendance is not mandatory, it is highly recommended.

To reflect on the practice of storytelling and guide students toward a concrete approach to writing, the course will examine the structural elements of narrative writing. Starting from lexical, syntactic, and stylistic aspects, the course will address the stages of the writing process: the inception of a story by focusing on a potential idea; the development of a plot with a coherent structure; the creation of multi-dimensional and believable characters; the writing of effective and realistic dialogues; the definition of a rhythm and a spatial-temporal setting for the narration; the choice of a narrative point of view; the identification of a theme and the techniques to bring it to light.

The course will also delve into different approaches to optimize the writing process and reading aloud, as well as the methods of argumentation and the criteria for establishing and carrying out a proper editing process of a text, even when written by others.

N/A

1. Knowledge and understanding: knowledge of the compositional norms of writing and the ability to understand the essential structure and foundational elements of a story, the key principles of narrative writing, and the techniques to apply in creating a text.

1.1 Students acquire this knowledge through attendance at lectures and the study of the teaching materials discussed in class, in addition to the course books.

2. Applying knowledge and understanding: ability to apply the knowledge and techniques acquired, adopting a mature and professional approach to writing. Ability to design and write one's own narrative work that demonstrates a correct and appropriate application of the concepts learned during the course, as well as a connection between them. Ability to support clear and effective arguments.

2.1 Students acquire these skills through laboratory exercises.

3. Making judgements: acquisition of tools for conscious critical reflection and the formulation of clear and well-thought-out evaluations. Ability to examine a narrative text by actively reflecting on the subtext and the different layers of interpretation and meaning.

3.1 The ability to make judgments should be applied in classroom discussions with peers and the lecturer, during exercises, and in preparation for the final exam.

4. Communication skills: ability to express observations in an articulate manner, using appropriate and informed terminology. Ability to illustrate, argue, and critically evaluate the contents that characterize the analysis of a narrative text, demonstrating mastery of the symbolic and descriptive languages used during the course. Ability to actively and effectively participate in discussions and debates with peers and the lecturer.

4.1 Students practice their communication skills in the classroom through active participation in discussions and exercises.

5. Learning skills: ability to consolidate one's syntactic and oratory skills. Ability to read, investigate, and critically evaluate a narrative text, distinguishing the structural and stylistic elements that compose it independently. Ability to sensitively consider the effectiveness of certain syntactic and stylistic choices in a text, connecting the concepts learned. Ability to imagine and construct a well-written and argued text, demonstrating appropriate syntactic and stylistic choices and self-evaluation skills.

5.1 These skills can be enhanced through the arguments proposed by the lecturer and through classroom discussions with peers and the lecturer.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

• Practical writing exercises related to the course topics.
• Meeting and seminars with creative writing lecturers and/or professionals from the field.

Teaching

Theoretical lectures and lab exercises, conducted individually and/or in groups.

Innovative teaching methods

• Debate

Additionally, learning strategies such as brainstorming, circle time, cooperative learning, and storytelling are planned.

Attendance

• To be considered attending students, students must have participated in at least 75% of the class hours and have completed the in-class work, exercises, or other activities organized by the lecturer during the course.

Course books

• The teaching material prepared by the lecturer, available on the University's Moodle Blended platform.
• Gotham Writers' Workshop, Lezioni di scrittura creativa. Metodi, tecniche ed esercizi, Dino Audino Editore, Roma 2006.
• Stephen King, On Writing. Autobiografia di un mestiere, Sperling & Kupfer (Pickwick), Milano 2017, pp. 93-239 (Che cos'è la scrittura; Cassetta degli attrezzi; Sulla scrittura).

Assessment

Expected learning outcomes will be assessed through a written exam consisting of three open-ended questions on the topics covered in the course, the teaching material provided by the lecturer, and the course books. The time available to answer the proposed questions is 2 hours.

The exam aims to evaluate the student's understanding of the content, linguistic accuracy, clarity of exposition, ability to support a solid argument, and the skill to formulate independent critical evaluations on the topics covered during the course and the proposed materials.

The following will result in excellent evaluations: full understanding of the topics covered during the course; full mastery of specific terminology; good critical and in-depth analysis skills; coherence of argumentation; the ability to connect the main topics addressed in the course.

The following will result in good evaluations: a good understanding of the topics covered during the course; good mastery of specific terminology; relative critical ability and connection between the main topics addressed; the use of appropriate language.

The following will result in sufficient evaluations: minimal understanding of the topics covered during the course; limited mastery of specific terminology, despite some gaps in understanding; limited expressive ability.

The following will result in negative evaluations: difficulty in orientation and poor understanding of the topics covered during the course; the presence of significant gaps in knowledge; the use of inappropriate language.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Independent study of the course books and the teaching material prepared by the lecturer, available on the University's Moodle Blended platform.

Given the nature of the course, which is laboratory-based, attendance is highly recommended.

Course books

• The teaching material prepared by the lecturer, available on the University's Moodle Blended platform.
• Gotham Writers' Workshop, Lezioni di scrittura creativa. Metodi, tecniche ed esercizi, Dino Audino Editore, Roma 2006.
• Stephen King, On Writing. Autobiografia di un mestiere, Sperling & Kupfer (Pickwick), Milano 2017, pp. 93-239 (Che cos'è la scrittura; Cassetta degli attrezzi; Sulla scrittura).

To allow non-attending students to compensate with independent study for what is covered during the lessons, the following materials related to the same program content are indicated to promote full understanding:

• William Strunk jr, Elementi di stile nella scrittura. Il primo tutorial per scrittori che è diventato un classico (Nuova Edizione), Dino Audino Editore, Roma 2023.

Assessment

Expected learning outcomes will be assessed through a written exam consisting of three open-ended questions on the topics covered in the course, the teaching material provided by the lecturer, and the course books. The time available to answer the proposed questions is 2 hours.

The exam aims to evaluate the student's understanding of the content, linguistic accuracy, clarity of exposition, ability to support a solid argument, and the skill to formulate independent critical evaluations on the topics covered during the course and the proposed materials.

The following will result in excellent evaluations: full understanding of the topics covered during the course; full mastery of specific terminology; good critical and in-depth analysis skills; coherence of argumentation; the ability to connect the main topics addressed in the course.

The following will result in good evaluations: a good understanding of the topics covered during the course; good mastery of specific terminology; relative critical ability and connection between the main topics addressed; the use of appropriate language.

The following will result in sufficient evaluations: minimal understanding of the topics covered during the course; limited mastery of specific terminology, despite some gaps in understanding; limited expressive ability.

The following will result in negative evaluations: difficulty in orientation and poor understanding of the topics covered during the course; the presence of significant gaps in knowledge; the use of inappropriate language.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.