Narrative studies explores the varied forms, concepts, contexts and cultures of narrative and storytelling. As part of an English degree program, this area of study emphasizes the value of recognizing, critiquing, shaping and transforming effective storytelling through a strategic lens that influences how we see ourselves, others and the world. By focusing on narrative studies, you’ll learn about the role of storytelling and its diverse applications in various fields, from visual media and creative writing to teaching and literature.
Narrative skills you'll gain
In this program, you’ll critically examine the social, historical, aesthetic and ethical dimensions of story and storytelling from various perspectives and disciplines. You’ll also gain a multifaceted understanding of the principles for interpreting and generating narratives in traditional and emerging media, social and political settings, and creative and communicative practices. Building these narrative skills will prepare you to translate facts, events and stories into compelling narratives relevant for professional, personal, creative, community and socially embedded purposes.
Why study narrative?
This English concentration is ideal if you’re interested in pursuing storytelling professions, which involves learning how to:
- Synthesize complex information.
- Craft clear and persuasive messages.
- Adapt content for diverse audiences.
- Apply critical analysis to evaluate and improve stories.
By studying narrative, you’ll gain the knowledge required for storytelling professions where crafting narratives is key, from film and television to video game and digital design. This program may also align with your goals if you’re passionate about creating narratives for advocacy movements or interrogating the rise of AI-generated narratives.
How does narrative studies relate to English (BA)?
This narrative studies program includes courses from across the fields of English and film and media studies. With fewer specific requirements than the BA in English, this concentration offers the opportunity for you to select more electives and further customize the degree based on your preferences and interests such as literature, linguistics, writing, film and media, and rhetoric and literacy.
If you’re interested in technical training in storytelling production specifically, you may want to explore other programs through the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts or the Sidney Poitier New American Film School.
Master the art of storytelling as an influential communication tool by earning an online Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in narrative studies from Arizona State University. This program will shape you into an analytical and creative storyteller who can recognize, interpret and craft stories that inform, persuade and inspire. You’ll graduate prepared for narrative-driven careers in media, design, marketing, public relations, political messaging and more.
Courses, developed from both practical and theoretical perspectives, are taught by ASU scholars, authors and experts in screenwriting, AI, digital spaces, social justice and political culture. The curriculum highlights courses that teach how language shapes important questions and answers, the fundamentals of narrative theory, the role of an English degree in humanities, screenwriting techniques and video game narrative design.
In addition to completing coursework, you have the opportunity to complete an optional internship or research mentorship in the Department of English’s Internship and Career Futures Program.
From Royal Society and American Academy Fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members who include:
- Fulbright American Scholars
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The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to become socially aware critical thinkers and global citizens.
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