Warning! This unit contains mature content and may not be suitable for some students. Any student under the age of 16 who would like to enrol in this unit must first complete a Parental Consent Form.

Subject details

At the completion of this subject students will be able to:

  1. identify and apply key technical and creative craft skills and concepts in screenwriting for drama
  2. analyse a range of screenwriting techniques, elements and approaches
  3. ability to create a short drama film script by applying relevant screenwriting techniques and story development concepts
  4. critically reflect on own practice and others.
  • Topics
    • Story Instincts & Concepts: Introduction
    • Stories on film
    • Images, words and sounds
    • Narrative structure models
    • Theme and plot
    • Asking the dramatic question: story premise & action
    • Character: point of view, intention and motivation
    • Character Arcs & Relationships: dialogue, subtext, performance
    • Story Development in the digital era
    • Writing Styles & Genre - comedy & tragedy & breaking the rules
    • Symbols, Objects & Motifs
    • Endings & Beginnings: foreshadowing, set ups & payoffs
  • Study resources
    • Instructional Methods
      • Disscusion forum/Discussion Board
      • Embedded Multimedia
      • Online assignment submission
      • Podcasting/Leacture capture
      • Standard Media
      • Streaming Multimedia
      • Web links
    • Online Materials
      • Resources and Links
      • Online Assessment
      • Audio-Video streaming
      • Printable format materials

Entry Requirements

Others

Note: Level 2 subjects normally assume an introductory level of prior knowledge in this area, e.g. from studying related Level 1 subjects or other relevant experience.

Special requirements

No special requirements

The subject examines screening writing techniques and practices in how to develop and create a narrative screenplay for drama production across a range of genres.

Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.

Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.

  • Assignment 1 - Tutorial Presentation (20%)
  • Assignment 2 - Digital Story Concept (20%)
  • Assignment 3 - Writing:First Draft Screenplay (20%)
  • Assignment 4 - Writing:Final Draft Screenplay (40%)

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

View textbooks

Related degrees

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Arts (Screen Arts)