Chair of Dance and Professor of Theater & Drama
Storytelling for Social Change
5 Modules
15 Hours
3 hrs per module (approx.)
About Storytelling for Social Change
How can storytelling promote social change?
This course develops skills for using stories to deliver messages that affect audiences and shape attitudes for social change. Learn how building empathy and developing characters can offer multiple perspectives on complex problems. Social change happens when listeners or viewers identify with messages delivered through a protagonist they identify with. Theatre artists and professional storytellers offer expertise about how to craft a story that develops empathy and delivers impact.
You will watch video interviews with storytelling experts, view performances, and write your own story for social change. See how stories told from diverse perspectives contribute to understanding new perspectives about pertinent world issues. Learn how effective storytelling can be your tool for change.
This course is for anyone who wants to effectively tell an impactful story. This includes (but is not limited to):
- Professionals working in not-for-profit or commercial sectors
- Entertainment industry development teams
- Writers and arts enthusiasts
- Community workers and social activists
- Marketing and development teams
- Educators and public speakers
- Customer service representatives
Please check out the course preview video in YouTube!
Skills You'll Gain
- Community Advocacy
- Empathy
- Public Speaking Preparation
- Storytelling
What You'll Earn
- Certificate of Completion:
- Certificates of completion acknowledge knowledge acquired upon completion of a non-credit course or program.
Welcome Message
Welcome to Storytelling for Social Change, a course that builds skills for using story to raise awareness, build empathy, and influence attitudes around complex social issues. Learners explore character, audience, and message while developing an original storytelling project through reflection, peer feedback, and performance-based examples.
This abbreviated syllabus description was created with the help of AI tools and reviewed by staff. The full syllabus is available to those who enroll in the course.
Course Schedule
Module 1: Introduction: Belief Systems
- Welcome to Storytelling for Social Change
- Priscilla Lindsay on Belief Systems
- Belief Systems
- Additional Readings & Media
- Reflection: Your Belief System
- Writing Activity: Share a Story
Module 2: Inciting Empathy
- Introduction and Overview
- Malcolm Tulip on Empathy
- Empathy
- Additional Readings & Media
- Module 2 Quiz (10 Questions)
- Writing Activity: Two Sides to the Story
Module 3: Story Structure Analysis, Audiences, and Social Change
- Introduction and Overview
- Holly Hughes on Story Structure and Audience
- Ashley Lucas on the Bridge between Storytelling and Social Change
- Additional Readings & Media
- Module 3 Quiz (8 Questions)
- Story Development: Audience, Message, and Character
Module 4: Story Structure, Character Building, and Impact
- Introduction and Overview
- Jose Casas on Storytelling for Social Change
- Additional Readings & Media
- Module 4 Quiz (7 Questions)
- Story Development: Outlining
Module 5: Storyboarding
- Introduction and Overview
- Vince Mountain on Scene Design
- Christianne Myers and Costume Design
- Perspectives of Storytelling Practitioners
- Additional Readings & Media
- Module 5 Quiz (10 Questions)
- Story Development: Artist Statement and Storyboard
- Submit your work to the gallery
- Conclusion
Grading Policy
Learners pursuing a certificate must earn an overall grade of 75%. The course grade is based on four module-end quizzes worth 25% each.
Course content developed by U-M faculty and managed by the university. Faculty titles and affiliations are updated periodically.
Beginner Level
No prior experienced required
