EDUC 309
Storytelling:
Oral Narrative In History, Culture and Society
Registration notations:
- This course meets the WWU General Undergraduate Requirement in the area of Communication Block B.
- The Storytelling class is an interdisciplinary course suitable for students persuing any field of study. It is particularly recommended as the communication GUR course for those planning on applying to Woodring College of Education in Elementary or Secondary Education. It is also recommended for students studying creative writing, anthropology, theatre, music performance, communication, etc.
- There are no prerequisites for this class and is offered with open registration.
- Registration for Fall/Winter/Spring 2012-2013: Currently this course is offered only through Extended Education as an Online/Hybrid option. A registration over-ride is needed due to the self-sustaining nature of this class. Over-rides come from Extended Education, not from the instructor. When you go to class-finder, click on the CRN number highlighted. This will take you to a screen that will explain the fees and how to get your over-ride or call 360-650-3308 for information.
- In addition, this course will also be cross-listed with EDUC 409 for those who wish to further their storytelling experience or for Masters level students who need a 400 level class to count for their post-baccalaureate credits.
- For questions regarding course content please feel free to contact the instructor Rosemary Vohs at 360-650-6446 or Rosemary.Vohs@wwu.edu
- For questions regarding registration please contact Extended Education directly at 360-650-3308 .
Storytelling! The Joy of Speaking In Public!
Catalogue Course Description:
Current trends and interdisciplinary applications of storytelling. Selection, adaptation and presentation of stories for various settings and audiences, with focus on the history of oral narrative traditions, cultural perspectives, and societal impact.
Additional Description: 
This course will offer students practical instruction in the traditional art of storytelling as it relates to numerous interdisciplinary fields. The class will look at how this ancient art form can be used to enliven classroom learning, improve public communication skills, build communities, sustain cultural and family groups, strengthen corporate communication, enhance environmental education, provide creative entertainment, etc.
In this performance-focused class students will learn how 
they can become more imaginative and confident storytellers and communicators in a wide variety of settings. Demonstrations of storytelling will be provided and students will have several opportunities in class to tell folktales as well as their own personal experience stories and cultural/family narratives.
There is no required textbook for this class. There is a significant body of literature on storytelling and bibliographies of recommended readings will be provided. Students will choose readings in a focused interdisciplinary area and will write an evaluative report on the content. These readings will concentrate on storytelling technique, skills learning, history, theory, cultural issues, interdisciplinary applications, etc.
A note for Freshmen:
Even though this course is listed as a GUR option for Communication Block B, first year students are advised that this is an upper division course with a fairly intensive (but enjoyable) workload that entails the self motivation, individualized direction of study, and personal involvement that is expected of more mature students. Freshmen are very welcome in this class...we hope you will enjoy being in this lively, thoughtful and challenging educational setting. At least you won't be bored or feel that you are one of too many in a mass lecture course!
Online/Hybrid version of course
Summer, Fall 2012 & Winter, Spring, Summer 2013 - This course may be taken entirely as an online/distance course.
This course makes extensive use of Blackboard online learning portal for detailed assignment descriptions, specific due dates, announcements, discussion boards, access to instructor videos, posting of student performances, submission of written work and the creation of student blogs, etc.
The instructor will be available frequently throughout the quarter to answer questions online, via email or during office hours for F2F visits or phone calls.
Students will:
- engage in self-directed independent study based on the assignments of the course
- enjoy readings on the art and application of storytelling
- participate in online discussions with other registered students
- develop local opportunities to tell and listen to stories
- choose, practice and perform stories in you own local community
- record your stories and post online for instructor and peer observation and review
- create your own personal projects in storytelling
- and more.....
Face-to-face (F2F) meetings may be arranged if there are enough local students who wish to have a more "hybrid" experience and have some live interaction with the instructor and other class members. Students will have the opportunity to present their storytelling performances during these meetings.
Here is a sample syllabus from Summer 2012 online storytelling course.
Course Instructor:
Phone: 360-650-6446
Email: Rosemary.Vohs@wwu.edu
Office: Miller Hall 402A
Course Materials:
Some of the following are PDF documents which require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.
If your computer does not have this, you can click on the icon and download the program for free.
Sample Syllabus - in-class version Sample Syllabus - online/hybrid version
Bibliography - Folk and Fairy Tales
Storytelling on Video
..and for storytelling information, articles, audio, video, etc. - check out the numerous links to online sources on the Storyelling Resources page.
Additional materials available from instructor. Copy write restrictions prevent all class materials from being readily available via internet.
For further information regarding the Storytelling course, please refer to the syllabus or contact the instructor Rosemary Vohs at 360-650-6446 or Rosemary.Vohs@wwu.edu