1. CONTACT INFORMATION
Catalog Course Code: CWM 510-O
Three-Letter Course Abbreviation: AVS-O
Instructor: Sherilyn Moore
Telephone: 407.510.0134
Email: smmoore@fullsail.com
iChat: sherilyn.moore@aim.com
Hours: Phone conferences by appointment
Email communication preferred
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In The Art of Visual Storytelling Course, students study the
universal themes of traditional storytelling as well as their
applications to visual narrative design and new nonlinear
and interactive forms of media. Students will analyze histori-
cal examples of visual narratives and then convey ideas and
emotions though the use of images and traditional storytell-
ing techniques in order to design new narratives in a variety
of entertainment media formats.
COURSE MATERIALS
yy Flash Fiction: 72 Very Short Stories, James Thomas,
Denise Thomas, and Tom Hazuka (eds.), W. W. Norton
Company
yy A History of the World in 10 1/2 Chapters, Julian Barnes,
Vintage
yy Connect Composition Plus 2.0 Personalized Learning
Plan program access, 2nd
edition, McGraw-Hill
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Students will accomplish these course objectives by com-
pleting the milestones specified:
yy Define what is meant by visual storytelling
yy Observe visual and nonvisual writing samples
yy Discover how to write visually
yy Create an experience for the reader and audience
yy Understand how word choice and tone enhance and
detract from a work
yy Practice creating sensory descriptions to enrich writ-
ten work
yy Demonstrate effectively what it means to “show and not
tell” in writing
yy Express character information and emotion through
action, props, and location
yy Maintain a successful writing practice
yy Write daily
yy Study how to use writing prompts to inspire flow of
writing
yy Create compelling characters
yy Discover backstories for their characters
yy Learn how a character’s history affects the present
narrative line of the story
yy Write flash fiction and hint fiction
yy Discover the power of efficient and effective writing
yy Create work that can find immediate placement in the
marketplace
yy Focus on the core conflict
yy Use character development to build a strong
foundation
yy Craft work with a professional level of construction
yy Sharpen their grammar, spelling, and punctuation tools
yy Discover resources to aid in securing a strong founda-
tion of basic writing skills
COURSE OUTCOMES
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
yy Write visually
yy Understand basic story elements and goals
yy Employ techniques to ignite the flow of creativity
yy Write and revise a work of flash fiction
yy Create a binder of work for future inspiration and use
COURSE SYLLABUS
THE ART OF VISUAL STORYTELLING
Christopher C. Odom
(407) 701-5830
codom@fullsail.com
Tue, Wed, Thu: 2pm - 5pm EST or by appointment

2. DEGREE CONNECTION
As one of the first courses in the program, the Art of Visual
Storytelling is designed to get students to unleash their
creativity and learn how to successfully create work that is
visual, sensory, and effective. This class is the foundation for
the entire CWMFA program.
INDUSTRY CONNECTION
This class helps students sharpen writing skills that can
easily transfer among a number of genres and formats. The
course helps students establish a strong foundation and pro-
cess for creating exceptional visual writing, which will serve
them no matter where their careers take them.
RESEARCH COMPONENT
In the Art of Visual Storytelling, students learn that being
present and watching the world is a form of research and be-
comes the inspiration for story ideas. Beginning to establish
an effective method for finding specific outlets in publishing
and production is another component of AVS.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
yy http://101books.net/2011/10/27/toni-morrison-and-the
-art-of-visual-writing/
yy http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/
yy http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Discussions
The discussions are geared to allow students to have dia-
logue with peers. They are similar to “in class” exercises
where the class will tackle different topics from writing via
the senses, to script analysis, to character transformation, to
writer’s block.
Assignments
This class aims to get the creative juices flowing with hint fic-
tion and flash fiction, along with a number of other exercises
that allow students to delve into their creativity. Exploring
storytelling in a visual format is key to each assignment.
Readings
Selections of helpful materials and literature will demonstrate
and support powerful, effective visual writing.
Videos
The videos are used to clarify topics that students will ex-
plore in reading, assignments, and discussions.
Connect Adaptive Learning Module
Words and punctuation are the tools the writer uses to help
create new worlds. If the tools are rusty, this is the time
to shine them up. Students are required to complete the
Connect adaptive learning module successfully and pass the
Connect grammar test with a score of 80 percent or above.
The Art of Visual Storytelling  Degree Connection

3. GRADE WEIGHTS
Literary and Creative Discussions 20%
Writing Assignments 20%
Connect Adaptive Learning Module 18%
Revision and Editing Assignment 17%
Grammar Test 10%
Tumblr 5%
Professionalism (GPS) 10%
Total 100%
STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESSFUL
LEARNING
yy Communication is key. Make sure that you read everything and
ask any questions you may have.
yy Become a careful watcher of life. Carry a notebook and take
down notes.
yy Read as many scripts as possible; there are a vast number of
scripts online. Also read short stories and fiction (Raymond Carv-
er). Notice the details used to evoke visual writing.
yy When you start to worry about whether you are doing some-
thing right or wrong, first, feel free to ask me; second, just take
the leap. Writing is an opportunity to be fearless. Jump in and let
your creativity flow.
COURSE-SPECIFIC RUBRICS
An overall rubric will be posted on FSO for all graded work.
The Art of Visual Storytelling  Grade Weights