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Linds Roberts

Explore how artists have come to understand their identities over time, through creative media and scholarly discussions. You will connect with your own sources of creative inspiration, and revisit a major moment in your life that has shaped who you are and how you understand yourself, with the invitation to engage with this story through literary analysis and creative expression. Discover how these themes and theories help leaders understand their own and others’ identities across the full range of human diversity, as they show up in workplaces and relationships.

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What's inside

Syllabus

What is the 'Self'?
Engage with different ideas of a 'self' and explore creative practices that can help you consider your own life experiences in new ways.
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Diving into our Stories
Consider how our social identities shape our lives and what we 'know.'
Stories as Openings
Dive into the past as we imagine different possible futures through Dr. Stephanie Toliver's work combining storytelling and justice in ways that blend and defy genre and form.
Shaping a Story of Self
Consider the importance of context as a way stories are shaped and understood, and explore stories in your own life that engage sensory experiences and responses.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Covers the role of storytelling in shaping personal and social identities
Taught by Linds Roberts, a recognized expert in the field of identity studies
Explores the intersection of social identities and personal experiences, which is highly valuable for understanding oneself and others in diverse settings
Utilizes a multi-modal approach with creative media and scholarly discussions, making it engaging and accessible for diverse learning styles
Structured around a core theme of self-discovery and identity formation, which is highly relevant for personal and professional development
Lacks hands-on activities or practical examples, which may limit its applicability in certain contexts

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Storying the Self: How Stories Shape our Identities with these activities:
Organize Course Resources
Helps you stay organized and retain information by compiling notes and materials from the course.
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  • Create folders or use a digital note-taking app to organize lecture notes, readings, and assignments.
  • Review and annotate your notes regularly to enhance retention.
  • Seek clarification on any concepts you find challenging.
Read 'The Creative Habit' by Twyla Tharp
Helps you understand the creative process and develop habits that foster creativity.
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  • Read the book and take notes on the key concepts.
  • Identify your own creative habits and how they align with Tharp's principles.
Explore Storytelling Techniques
Enhances your understanding of storytelling principles and techniques, enabling you to craft more compelling narratives in your writing.
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  • Review online tutorials or books on storytelling techniques.
  • Analyze the structure and elements of effective stories.
  • Practice applying storytelling techniques in your own writing.
Five other activities
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Practice Creative Writing Exercises
Provides opportunities to experiment with different writing styles and techniques, honing your creative expression.
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  • Engage in regular writing exercises, such as freewriting, timed writing, or character development.
  • Seek feedback from peers or a writing mentor to refine your skills.
Form a Writing Group
Establishes a supportive community where you can share your writing, receive feedback, and engage in discussions about identity and self-expression.
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  • Identify a group of peers who share your interests in writing and identity exploration.
  • Establish regular meeting times and guidelines for sharing and critiquing writing.
  • Respect and value the diverse perspectives and feedback of your peers.
Attend a Creative Writing Workshop
Provides a structured and supportive environment for developing your creative writing skills and receiving feedback from experienced writers.
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  • Identify and register for a creative writing workshop that aligns with your interests and goals.
  • Actively participate in the workshop sessions and engage with instructors and fellow writers.
Write a Personal Narrative
Allows you to explore and reflect on a defining moment in your life, deepening your understanding of your identity.
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  • Choose a significant event or experience that shaped your identity.
  • Write a detailed and introspective account of the event, capturing your thoughts, emotions, and motivations.
  • Analyze the event and its impact on your identity development.
Develop a Personal Brand Story
Challenges you to articulate your unique story and values, fostering self-awareness and brand building.
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  • Reflect on your experiences, skills, and aspirations.
  • Craft a narrative that authentically represents your identity and purpose.
  • Design a visual or digital representation of your personal brand story.

Career center

Learners who complete Storying the Self: How Stories Shape our Identities will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Writer
In essence, a Writer creates content for companies, clients, audiences, and more. This can take many forms, such as articles, web pages, blog posts, content for social media, and marketing and promotional copy. As a Writer, it is important to tell stories that resonate with the audience and move them to take a particular action. This role requires creativity and attention to language and nuance. You will develop these qualities in the Storying the Self course. Moreover, this course teaches how to craft a story with a clear message that elicits an emotional response, a valuable skill for any Writer to have.
Story Analyst
Story Analysts have a deep understanding of story structure, character development, and plot. This role requires the ability to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a story and offer constructive feedback. In the Storying the Self course, you will develop these skills by analyzing stories created by others and your own. Additionally, you will engage with literary analysis, another important skill for Story Analysts.
Content Creator
Content Creators have a passion for telling stories through different media. They often work with visual elements and storytelling techniques to capture the audience's attention. The Storying the Self course can help Content Creators develop their storytelling skills and learn how to use narrative strategies to engage their audience. This course may also be useful for Content Creators who wish to expand their understanding of different storytelling techniques and theories.
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialists use storytelling techniques to build and maintain a positive reputation for their clients. They often work with the media to tell stories that highlight their client's' accomplishments and values. The Storying the Self course can help Public Relations Specialists develop their storytelling skills and learn how to use narrative strategies to communicate with their target audience. This course may also be useful for Public Relations Specialists who wish to expand their understanding of different storytelling techniques and theories.
Journalist
Journalists tell stories that inform the public about important issues. They often work in fast-paced environments and must be able to quickly gather and verify information. The Storying the Self course can help Journalists develop their storytelling skills and learn how to use narrative strategies to engage their audience. This course may also be useful for Journalists who wish to expand their understanding of different storytelling techniques and theories.
Brand Strategist
A Brand Strategist is responsible for creating and managing a company's brand. This involves developing a brand's identity, mission, and values. Storytelling is a powerful tool that Brand Strategists can use to connect with consumers on an emotional level and build a strong, lasting relationship. The Storying the Self course can help Brand Strategists develop storytelling skills, understand how stories shape identities, and gain insights into the diverse human experience. These skills are essential for creating and managing a brand that resonates with consumers and builds a loyal following.
Novelist
Novelists write long, fictional stories. They often work independently and must be able to self-motivate and manage their time effectively. The Storying the Self course can help Novelists develop their storytelling skills and learn how to use narrative strategies to engage their audience. This course may also be useful for Novelists who wish to expand their understanding of different storytelling techniques and theories.
Librarian
Librarians help people find and access informação. They often work with children and young adults, helping them to develop a love of reading and learning. The Storying the Self course can help Librarians develop their storytelling skills and learn how to use narrative strategies to engage their patrons. This course may also be useful for Librarians who wish to expand their understanding of different storytelling techniques and theories.
Screenwriter
Screenwriters create stories for film and television. They often work with directors and producers to bring their stories to life. The Storying the Self course can help Screenwriters develop their storytelling skills and learn how to use narrative strategies to engage their audience. This course may also be useful for Screenwriters who wish to expand their understanding of different storytelling techniques and theories.
Teacher
Teachers use storytelling to help students learn and grow. They often use stories to illustrate concepts, engage students' imaginations, and inspire them to think critically. The Storying the Self course can help Teachers develop their storytelling skills and learn how to use narrative strategies to engage their students. This course may also be useful for Teachers who wish to expand their understanding of different storytelling techniques and theories.
Poet
Poets write short, lyrical poems. They often use figurative language and imagery to create a vivid and evocative picture in the reader's mind. The Storying the Self course can help Poets develop their storytelling skills and learn how to use narrative strategies to engage their audience. This course may also be useful for Poets who wish to expand their understanding of different storytelling techniques and theories.
Social Worker
Social Workers help people overcome challenges and improve their lives. They often work with individuals, families, and communities to provide support and resources. The Storying the Self course can help Social Workers develop their storytelling skills and learn how to use narrative strategies to engage their clients. This course may also be useful for Social Workers who wish to expand their understanding of different storytelling techniques and theories.
Counselor
Counselors help people with personal and social problems. They often use storytelling to help clients understand their own experiences and develop coping mechanisms. The Storying the Self course can help Counselors develop their storytelling skills and learn how to use narrative strategies to engage their clients. This course may also be useful for Counselors who wish to expand their understanding of different storytelling techniques and theories.
Therapist
Therapists help people overcome mental health challenges. They often use storytelling to help clients understand their own experiences and develop coping mechanisms. The Storying the Self course can help Therapists develop their storytelling skills and learn how to use narrative strategies to engage their clients. This course may also be useful for Therapists who wish to expand their understanding of different storytelling techniques and theories.
Mediator
Mediators help people resolve conflicts. They often use storytelling to help parties understand each other's perspectives and reach a mutually agreeable solution. The Storying the Self course can help Mediators develop their storytelling skills and learn how to use narrative strategies to engage disputing parties. This course may also be useful for Mediators who wish to expand their understanding of different storytelling techniques and theories.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Storying the Self: How Stories Shape our Identities.
This seminal work explores the universal patterns and archetypes found in myths and stories across cultures, providing insights into the human experience.
Examines the role of storytelling in shaping our understanding of history and culture, exploring how narratives construct and convey meaning.
This classic work explores the mythic structure of stories, providing a framework for writers to develop compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.
This introductory textbook provides a clear and concise overview of narrative theory, exploring different approaches and perspectives on narrative structure, meaning, and interpretation.
Explores the ethical dimensions of life writing, examining issues such as privacy, confidentiality, and the representation of others in narratives.

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