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Undergraduate CUR-SCA200-2019

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.

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$820 $1,070

Your upfront cost: $0

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Duration

13 weeks

Student rating

3.33

Study method

100% online

Available loans

FEE-HELP
HECS-HELP

Assessments

100% online

Prior study

Not required

Study terms

25 Nov 2019
01 Jun 2020
30 Nov 2020

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University ranking

2019
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
Study resources
- Instructional methods
  - Discussion forum/Discussion Board
  - Embedded Multimedia
  - Online assignment submission
  - Podcasting/Lecture 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

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

Tutorial Presentation (20%)
Digital Story Concept (20%)
Writing:First Draft Screenplay (20%)
Writing:Final Draft Screenplay (40%)

Textbooks

Current study term (24 Nov 19 to 23 Feb 20)

Textbook information is pending.

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

Textbook information is pending.

Related degrees

undergraduate CUR-SCA-DEG-2019

Bachelor of Arts Screen Arts