Writing For Theatre

Subject CWRI30005 (2012)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2012.

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

Semester 2, Parkville - 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

On Campus

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2.5
Total Time Commitment: 102
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.
Objectives:

Students who complete this subject will be able to:

  • 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: Attendance and participation in workshops 10%; a 20-minute group presentation (equivalent to 1000 words) delivered in class during semester 15%; an 800 word work-in-progress script to be workshpped in class during semester 15%; a 2000 word script due at the end of semester 50%; a 200 word synopsis/introductory note to the final script 10%, 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

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

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