Writing For Theatre

Subject 106-363 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2.5-hour workshop per week
Total Time Commitment: 2.5 contact hours/week , 6 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Usually 12.5 pts of first year creative writing and 25 points of second year creative writing.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Ms Jane Corbett

Contact

Karen Corbett
email: kcorb@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: This subject comprises a detailed study of the principles and craft of theatre writing focussing 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 pairs, students will deliver seminar presentations relating the theories to the plays studied.
Objectives:
  • relate their creative work to historical developments in theatre and theoretical writing on theatre;
  • devise, draft and develop a scriptwriting project;
  • demonstrate close reading of a variety of theatre scripts with an emphasis on contemporary theatre.
Assessment: An original theatre script, equivalent to 3000 words 75% (due at the end of semester), This also includes drafts of work towards the final script submitted before and after semester break; a 30 minute class presentation (usually in pairs) of 1000 words 25% (presented as scheduled during the semester). There is an 80% attendance hurdle for this subject. Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved formal extension will be penalised at 2% per day. Students who fail to submit up to 2-weeks after the final due date without a formal extension and special consideration will receive a fail grade for the piece of assessment.
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available.
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:
  • research through competent use of the library and other information sources, and through defining areas of enquiry and methods of research;
  • demonstrate teamwork through joint performance preparation;
  • demonstrate time management, independent organization and planning;
  • communicate knowledge in oral, written and/or creative form.
Notes: Students who have completed 760-320 Advanced Scriptwriting for Theatre are not eligible to enrol in this subject. This subject is available to Bachelor of Arts 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)
Bachelor of Creative Arts
Bachelor of Creative Arts and Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Creative Arts and Bachelor of Teaching
Diploma in Arts (Creative Writing)
Diploma in Creative Arts
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Creative Writing
Creative Writing
Creative Writing
Creative Writing Major
English

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