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Undergraduate CUR-SCA200-2018

Introduction to Screenwriting

Transfer ideas from your head onto the written page. Consider character motivations as you experiment with their story arcs and relationships. See how scripts use structure, genre, foreshadowing and motifs to create and fuel drama.

Duration

13 weeks

Study method

100% online

Available loans

HECS-HELP
FEE-HELP

Assessments

100% online

Prior study

Not required

Study terms

01 Jun 2020

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Times Higher Education Ranking 2020

Subject details

What you'll learn

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

identify and apply key technical and creative craft skills and concepts in screenwriting for drama
analyse a range of screenwriting techniques, elements and approaches
ability to create a short drama film script by applying relevant screenwriting techniques and story development concepts
critically reflect on own practice and others.

Topics covered

- 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

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

Description

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.

Assessments

Webinar contribution and presentation (40%)
Digital story concept (20%)
Formal writing: first draft screenplay (40%)

Textbooks

Current study term (31 May 20 to 30 Aug 20)

Writing the Short Film

Cooper, P and Dancyger, K

ISBN 9780240805887

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