Storytelling for Activists and Organizers

Equally at home around campfire or in boardroom, storytelling is one of earliest and most intrinsic forms of human expression; and powerful tool for human connection. Through stories, people share aesthetic, pedagogical, recreational, and communal knowledge; build empathy and trust; and work together to forge more just society. Pushing beyond transactional storytelling model, study asks how stories—traditional, historical, personal, and political—allow people to connect with one another. Premise is that stories are basis of community solidarity. Study also asks how labor activists and organizers might harness power of storytelling in service of social justice, and equitable and diverse society. Introduction to elements of effective storytelling. Analysis and investigation of stories in contemporary American life. Students practice telling stories in collaborative, workshop-style environment.

P/NP or letter grading.