Screenwriting 1

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

110 hours

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

Screenwriting 1 is an examination of the inherent advantages and limitations of writing for the screen. Classes incorporate lectures, group discussions and film screenings. Students undertake story writing exercises for presentation at group discussion sessions. Students also undertake the writing of a short script for a production exercise. Progress is monitored at tutorials.

On completing this subject students will:
• exhibit an ability for intellectual curiosity and creativity through the development of screenwriting skills;
• be familiar with basic narrative structures for short screen-based productions;
• originate story ideas and develop them into a script for the screen.

Assessment is continuous and based on the following:

Class exercises (3000 words total) Due: various, throughout weeks 1 – 8 (50%)
Final draft script for a short production (1 – 2 pages) Due: end week 12 (45%)
Workshop Participation* (5%) Due: assessed ongoing
*Participation assessed on criteria of engagement, ability to discuss & give/receive feedback and teamwork skills.

Late submission
* Unless an extension has been granted, for essays/assignments submitted after the due date, the mark a student is awarded for their work will be reduced by 10% for each day the work is late. Using electronic submission means work may be submitted on any day.
* Unless an extension has been granted, assignments submitted later than 5 working days (or 1 week if due on a weekend) after the due date will not be marked, and will receive no marks.

Hurdle requirement
Students must attend 80% of all scheduled classes and attempt all elements of assessment to be eligible for a pass in this subject.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completing this subject students will be able to:
• plan and organise work effectively;
• exercise an open attitude to new ideas;
• confidently communicate in oral and written form;
• exhibit the skills to interpret, analyse and problem solve;
• apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems;
• develop positive self-critical and peer review skills;
• begin to develop a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment.