Writing for Screen

Subject CWRI20009 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 25-Jul-2016 to 23-Oct-2016
Assessment Period End 18-Nov-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 05-Aug-2016
Census Date 31-Aug-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 23-Sep-2016


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2 hour lecture, weekly for first five weeks of semester only. 2 hour workshop per week (max 15 students per workshop)
Total Time Commitment:

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

Prerequisites:

None

Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge:

106-105/CWRI10001 Creative Writing: Ideas and Practice

Non Allowed Subjects:

106-244 Writing for Screen

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 Radha O'Meara

Contact

radha.omeara@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

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.

Learning Outcomes:

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.
Assessment:

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.

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 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.
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.

Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Creative Writing
Graduate Certificate in Arts - Creative Writing
Graduate Diploma in Arts - Creative Writing
Related Breadth Track(s): Creative Writing

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