A2 Module 3 - Fictions

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Sites of Culture

Spaces and Places
Fictions
Objects of Desire

Theoretical Approaches

Critical Social Theory (Marxism, neo-Marxism, Hegemony Theory)
Feminism
Postmodernism.
Postcolonialism
Poststructuralism
Queer Theory.

This topic focuses on the communication and transmission of culture through stories. In addition to traditional ideas of narrative such as fairy tales, novels, plays and films, you may investigate interactive narratives which invite us to participate actively in a narrative, e.g. video games.

Try this narrative planning game suggested by Adrian Proud - Story Maps. It is based on Propp's narrative theory.

Sample Exam Question

“The fictions and stories of contemporary culture are the most powerful forces in shaping our identities as cultural beings.”

Discuss this view of fictions in contemporary culture.

Virtual worlds such as Second Life invite us to re-invent ourselves so that we can become characters in our own stories. Online games and video games allow us to take part in imaginary worlds, battles or fantasies.

Click here for YouTube link to Powerpoint on Narrative.

Berlin Wall
An article written about the mythologising of Ronald Reagan and his 'contribution' to the falling of the Berlin Wall. Those of us who were alive at the time may not even know that has happened Stateside. Some are even campaigning to put his face on Mount Rushmore.

A man out-acted by a monkey. A classic case of the America-centric view of the world.

New narratives for the 21st century?
Liked the book? Try the app
Eager to find new ways to involve his readers in the mysteries of numbers, mathematician Marcus du Sautoy looked to new technology. A revolution is coming, he argues, and the whole idea of what a book can do is about to change

Eastenders - interactive