Writing for Screen

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

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

None

None

106-105/CWRI10001 Creative Writing: Ideas and Practice

106-244 Writing for Screen

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/

In this subject students will be introduced to the history of screenwriting and the principles of the craft of writing scripts for screen. Students will read and respond to a variety of scripts written for screen. Students will also be required to write a short original screenplay. This subject is highly recommended for students intending to take Advanced Screenwriting and/or Writing for Theatre in their 3rd year studies.

On completion of the subject students should have:

• a critical understanding of the screenplay as a historically, culturally and technically distinct form of writing;
• the ability to apply the basic technical elements of screenwriting;
• demonstrated a functional knowledge of basic screenwriting terminology and the ability to articulate the relationship between the screenplay and contemporary cultural and political contexts;
• developed, through workshopping and completion of assessment tasks, an understanding of the skills and methodologies that underpin screenwriting as a distinct vocation;
• expanded upon their skills in communication through extensive presentation during work-in- progress workshops and small group collaborations with an emphasis on the giving and receiving of constructive feedback;
• demonstrated high-level proficiency in self-directed writing and the application of intellectual honesty and ethical values.

Attendance and participation in workshops, a 1000 word essay on existing screenplay (due mid semester) 25%, an 800 word work-in-progress script to be workshopped in class during semester 15%, and a 2000 word script for screen with accompanying one-page synopsis (due at the end of semester) 50%.

This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 80% attendance and regular participation in tutorials. 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.

A subject reader will be available via Readings Online.

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

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

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.

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

• be able to apply analytic, independent and critical thinking skills to written texts;
• be able to respond creatively to texts;
• be able to plan and develop their written work;
• be able to join in group discussion and activities, working to a common goal;
• be able to work effectively with others while respecting differences.

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.