Key Themes:

• Embrace the rich diversity of cultures and traditions across the world.
• Understand the impact of historical, political, and social forces on different societies.
• See the world through the lens of others, particularly those who have been marginalized or oppressed.

Storytelling Practice:

• Use Multicultural Narratives: Explore literature, film, and oral traditions from different cultures. Understand how different societies respond to common themes like love, loss, conflict, and resilience.
• Highlight Global Issues: Use storytelling to bridge gaps between cultures by examining the shared human experiences that transcend borders, such as migration, war, and environmental challenges.
• Narrative Voices: Engage with texts and media that represent underrepresented voices. Tell stories that amplify perspectives often overlooked in mainstream discourse.

Impact:

By developing this global perspective, you can foster greater empathy and understanding, equipping you with the tools to engage thoughtfully in an increasingly interconnected world. This approach also prepares you for leadership roles in NGOs, NPOs, or social entrepreneurship, where cultural sensitivity and cross-cultural communication are vital.

Key Themes:

• Question assumptions, engage in rigorous analysis, and develop well-reasoned arguments.
• Master various forms of communication: written, visual, oral, and digital.
• Experiment with different storytelling genres and mediums to communicate ideas effectively.

Storytelling Practice:

• Critical Engagement: Analyze texts and media critically. When engaging with a novel or film, for example, ask not just "what happens?" but also "why is this story being told this way?" and "what is the deeper meaning or critique embedded in the narrative?"
• Medium Exploration: Experiment with various forms of expression, from essays and research papers to blogs, podcasts, films, or digital storytelling projects. Each medium allows you to engage with your audience in different ways.
• Cross-Genre Storytelling: Develop your storytelling by working across genres: from academic analysis to creative non-fiction, from podcasts to graphic novels. The ability to shift from one mode of communication to another enhances your ability to reach diverse audiences.

Impact:

Critical thinking and expressive communication are invaluable tools that will enable you to engage with complex global issues, advocate for change, and contribute thoughtfully to public discourse. These skills are essential not only in the humanities but also in fields like marketing, business, and communication.

Key Themes:

• Engage with diverse historical texts, languages, and cultural artifacts.
• Understand how stories from the past shape contemporary societies and individual identities.

Storytelling Practice:

• Textual Engagement: Dive deep into classic texts across genres—philosophy, literature, religious texts, historical records—and understand how these texts reflect the cultures and civilizations from which they originated.
• Language as Power: Recognize the role of language in shaping worldviews. Explore how language—whether spoken, written, or visual—can be a tool for both oppression and liberation.
• Cultural Analysis: When engaging with texts or media, consider how stories reflect the values and beliefs of different cultures, and how these values may have changed over time.

Impact:

By understanding the interplay of history, language, and culture, you will be able to interpret and communicate the complex forces that shape human identity and societal structures, providing a strong foundation for problem-solving in both local and global contexts.

Key Themes:

• Challenge established narratives and explore the untold or underexplored stories of marginalized groups.
• Investigate issues of power, identity, and difference within historical and contemporary contexts.
• Engage with texts and media that confront social justice issues such as inequality, oppression, and human rights.

Storytelling Practice:

• Boundary-Pushing Narrative: Tell stories that challenge conventional wisdom. Investigate untold histories, underrepresented voices, and stories of resistance or resilience in the face of adversity.
• Power Dynamics in Storytelling: Pay attention to the dynamics of power in your stories. Who is speaking, who is listening, and who is left out? Investigate the structures of power that shape societal narratives.
• Social Justice Narratives: Use storytelling to advocate for social change. Whether through personal stories, fictional narratives, or investigative journalism, make a commitment to highlight issues of justice, equality, and human rights.

Impact:

Pushing boundaries and critically examining power structures prepares you to become a thought leader who can influence change, whether in academic spaces, corporate environments, or advocacy work. You will have the tools to address the most pressing issues of our time with creativity and insight.

Key Themes:

• Embrace the values of human dignity, empathy, and grace in all forms of communication.
• Recognize the shared humanity that underpins every story, regardless of background or context.

Storytelling Practice:

• Empathetic Listening and Storytelling: Listen deeply to the experiences of others, particularly those whose voices have been marginalized. Share their stories with empathy and respect, without distorting or simplifying their experiences.
• Building Relationships Through Narrative: Use storytelling to build connections between people. Whether through a personal blog, a social media campaign, or a community initiative, help others see the humanity in each other’s experiences.
• Graceful Communication: Strive to communicate complex ideas and difficult truths with care and grace. Storytelling should build understanding, not division.

Impact:

By cultivating humanist grace, you contribute to a culture of empathy, respect, and mutual understanding. This quality is invaluable in personal relationships, community building, and professional environments, especially when navigating difficult or sensitive topics.

Key Themes:

• Understand the role of storytelling in business, communication, and creative industries like film.
• Learn how to use stories to influence, persuade, and inspire action across various sectors.

Storytelling Practice:

• Business and Entrepreneurship: In business, storytelling is a powerful tool for branding, marketing, and leadership. Learn to craft stories that connect with customers on an emotional level, communicate your company’s mission, and inspire innovation.
• Film and Visual Media: Use visual storytelling to explore and convey complex ideas and emotions. Film, as a medium, allows for rich exploration of cultural narratives, social dynamics, and historical contexts. Learn how to use cinematography, sound, and editing to enhance storytelling.
• Communication Strategy: Whether in PR, social media, or public speaking, storytelling helps build trust and convey values. Develop the ability to tell stories that engage audiences, influence decisions, and move people to action.

Impact:

Storytelling is a cornerstone of effective communication in all professional fields. By mastering storytelling in business, communication, and film, you can shape narratives that inspire change, influence public perception, and contribute to social impact.

Key Themes:

• Foster a spirit of inquiry, curiosity, and intellectual exploration.
• Challenge the obvious questions and seek out the deeper, more meaningful ones.

Storytelling Practice:

• Ask Unconventional Questions: Approach storytelling with curiosity. Instead of asking “What happened?” ask “Why did this happen?” or “What does this reveal about the human condition?”
• Investigate Hidden Stories: Seek out stories that have not been told. Research obscure historical events, unknown cultural traditions, or unheard voices. The less obvious the story, the more potential it holds for discovery.

Impact:

Curiosity is the engine that drives scholarship and creative inquiry. By developing this habit, you’ll not only enrich your understanding of the world but also uncover hidden narratives that might otherwise be overlooked.