Narrative Studies, BA

The Narrative Studies major program embraces a broad base of literature and writing across several mediums, preparing students to develop and assess original content in literature, the cinema, performing arts, and ministry.

Narrative Studies Program Outcomes

1. Develop Narrative Skills - Students will learn to do more than just recognize patterns and techniques of storytelling. They will practice implementing those skills into their own creative works and develop the tools necessary to move audiences.
2. ​​Integrate Christian Faith in Narrative Creation - Students will learn to move beyond moralizing and direct exposition of values. Great stories tend to be prophetic, challenging powerful cultural lies and injustices with paradoxical truth in a way that directly provokes reflection and indirectly invites repentance. An integrated Christian faith will saturate a narrative; rather than sermonizing at a surface level, it will weave its redemptive theme through character arcs, conflicts, ideals, world-building, voice, etc.
3. ​Influence Community/Culture through Story Analysis and Creation - Graduates will demonstrate a desire and ability to impact their spheres of influence through stories. “Small” impacts such as book clubs and library talks can be more powerful than “big” projects such as the production of a feature film.
4. Cultivate Spiritual Resilience/Restoration by “Re-Storying” Culture - Students will understand that the power of narrative is its ability to work beneath the surface. Christ’s parables are short and sometimes baffling, yet they continue to change the world. Nathan’s private rebuke of David redirected the heart of a king, but it likely worked only because it came in narrative form.
5. Demonstrate Compassionate and Ethical Leadership - Graduates will embrace the power of all stories, including those of other writers and content creators. Narrative skills are best developed in service of a story, and that story need not be one’s own. Compassionate, ethical leadership is demonstrated though a repeated process of peer critique, editing, reflection, brainstorming, and production that prioritizes truth.

Senior Comprehensive Exam

All seniors must pass the capstone project prior to or during their final semester of study. All education majors will complete the content area and education area comprehensive requirements as required by each major and area.