Writing For Theatre

Subject CWRI30005 (2015)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2015.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 27-Jul-2015 to 25-Oct-2015
Assessment Period End 20-Nov-2015
Last date to Self-Enrol 07-Aug-2015
Census Date 31-Aug-2015
Last date to Withdraw without fail 25-Sep-2015


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial for weeks 1 - 6 and a 2.5-hour workshop for weeks 7 - 12.
Total Time Commitment:

Total expected time commitment is 170 hours across the semester, including class time.

Prerequisites:

None

Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge:

CWRI20006 Script for Performance

Non Allowed Subjects:

106-363 Writing for Theatre

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Dr Eddie Paterson

Contact

Eddie Paterson

eddiep@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject comprises a detailed study of the principles and craft of theatre writing focusing on the production of an original play/script. A selection of theatre scripts, in various styles will be studied in conjunction with relevant critical and cultural theories. In small groups, students will also deliver seminar presentations relating the theories to the plays studied.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of the subject students should have:

  • a sophisticated understanding of, and the ability to articulate, the conceptual relationship between their creative work and historical developments in writing for the theatre;
  • engaged with broad debates within the area of theatre and performance scriptwriting with an awareness of the social, cultural and political contexts that underpin contemporary approaches to script;
  • the ability to independently devise, draft and develop a scriptwriting project with a rigorous approach to creative writing methods, intellectual honesty and ethical values;
  • demonstrated high-level analysis and close reading of a variety of theatre scripts with an emphasis on contemporary theatre;
  • developed an understanding of the importance of workshopping as a creative and vocational tool wherein participants from diverse cultural backgrounds and disciplines communicate and collaborate.
Assessment:

Attendance and participation in workshops 10%, a 20-minute group presentation (equivalent to 1000 words) delivered in class during semester 15%, a 700 word work-in-progress script to be workshpped in class during semester 10%, a 2000 word script due at the end of semester 50%, a 300 word synopsis/introductory note to the final script 15%, submitted with the script at the end of semester. This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 80% attendance and regular participation in workshops. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available via Readings Online.

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Students who successfully complete this subject will be able to:

  • prepare and present their ideas in both verbal and written mode at an intermediate level and in conformity to conventions of academic presentation;
  • demonstrate teamwork through joint performance preparation and participation in discussion and workshopping;
  • enhance their creative writing skills and knowledge through the design and development of an original work of writing for the theatre;
  • develop their ability to give and respond to constructive feedback through workshopping and class discussion;
  • research through competent use of the library and other information sources, defining areas of enquiry and effective methods of research;
  • demonstrate time management, independent organisation and planning.
Notes:

This subject is available to Bachelor of Arts (Continuing) and Bachelor of Creative Arts students and may be credited towards a major in Creative Writing in either course. Bachelor of Creative Arts students may credit this subject towards a major in Theatre Studies.

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts(Media and Communications)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Creative Writing
Creative Writing
Creative Writing
Creative Writing Major
Related Breadth Track(s): Creative Writing

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