Topics in Media Writing (360-0-22)

Topic

Writing from Folklore & Myth

Instructors

Exal Stephen Iraheta

Meeting Info

Annie May Swift Hall 219: Wed 3:00PM - 5:50PM

Overview of class

Writing from Folklore invites students to explore how these stories originate, why they resonate with us, and how they continue to shape our lives today, especially in the age of social media, where everything is amplified. From reading localized tales of cryptids and legends to watching folklore horror, comedy, and drama—such as The Wicker Man, Los Olvidados, Hot Fuzz, and Tigers Are Not Afraid—we'll examine how these stories reflect the communities they come from and how they evolve over time. We'll also explore how our environments can inspire our storytelling, helping us craft original narratives. By the end of the course, we'll have a deeper understanding of how place shapes both the storyteller and the audience, and how to harness that in our writing. Students will also produce a workshopped second draft of a 30-page screenplay.

Learning Objectives

- Define what Folklore is and their function as community storytelling
- Analyze and research films/shows based on real-world folklore
- Learn how to use "folklore" as a narrative device to inform your story
- Explore personal histories as inspiration for writing
- Draft 30 pages of a feature, short film, or TV pilot

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for RTVF Majors with the RTVF 260-0 prerequisite or students in Writing: MFA or Documentary Media: MFA programs until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone with the prerequisite.” Students must have completed RTVF 260-0 in order to register for this course (concurrent registration is not allowed) or students in Writing: MFA or Documentary Media: MFA programs