Undergraduate Course: Introduction to Screenwriting (DESI08128)
Course Outline
| School | Edinburgh College of Art |
College | College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 8 (Year 1 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | Through a series of seminars and screenings students are introduced to the craft and skills of screenwriting. The course explores the different phases and elements of scriptwriting such as story development, narrative structure, writing a synopsis, scenes and dialogues. |
| Course description |
Throughout the course students analyse the narrative structure of different films. The course will address both classical narrative structure as well as alternative narrative structures in short and feature films. Students examine the classical three-act structure and how this is generally constructed with a beginning, middle and resolution and turning points. The course also explores examples of alternative cinematic storytelling within independent and Accented Cinema, such as non-linear and multi-linear narratives. Students develop their own story ideas through a series of writing assignments, such as making a character profile, writing a scene, and writing dialogue. Students are expected to present their ideas through a project pitch, synopsis and treatment. Through reading and peer reviewing each other's work, students get acquainted with aspects of script development and script editing the specifics of writing for a screen.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | This course is open to ALL STUDENTS and enrolments are managed on a first come first served basis until the course is full. The course will be open to enrolments from Thursday 13th September at 9.30am. Please sign up for the course through your own School (they will advise if this is done your PT, SSO or Teaching Office). We do not currently keep a waiting list. |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2018/19, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: 39 |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 20,
Formative Assessment Hours 5,
Summative Assessment Hours 5,
Other Study Hours 20,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
146 )
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| Additional Information (Learning and Teaching) |
Film screening
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
There are two summatively assessed submissions for this course. They are as follows:
1) Learn Portfolio 40 %
Throughout the course students submit different assignments, such as an initial idea for a script, a one-page synopsis and a dialogue scene. Students receive written feedback and have the possibility to improve their portfolio prior to final submission.
2) Final short film script 60%
Students submit at the end of the course a script for a short drama film of 8 to 12 pages, written in adequate script format, with a clear theme, protagonist and conflict.
Relationship between Assessment and Learning Outcomes:
All learning outcomes are assessed, and are equally weighted, in both summative submission elements
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| Feedback |
Verbal feedback will be given during seminars. Written formative feedback will be given on the basis of submitted portfolio assignments in week 6. Summative written feedback will be given after submission of the short script. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate a broad knowledge of narrative structures in Cinema.
- Use a range of skills and techniques to develop and write a short film script.
- Undertake critical analysis of the functions of narrative structures in films.
- Communicate complex ideas in writing and through presentations.
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Reading List
Nash, P. (2012). Short Films: Writing the Screenplay. Creative Essentials.
Dancyger, K. (2016). Global Scriptwriting. Taylor & Francis.
Yorke, J. (2014). In to the Woods: How stories work and why we tell them. Penguin Books.
Penrake, N. (2014). How To Write a Great Short Film Script. Penrake & Associates.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Analyzing Film
Understanding the function of Narrative Structure
Develop Creative Ideas
Communicate Ideas to a variety of audiences |
| Keywords | Cinema,Film Production,Screenwriting,Writing,Narrative |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Mrs Itandehui Jansen
Tel: (0131 6)51 5852
Email: I.Jansen@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mrs Gill Lowther
Tel: (0131 6)51 5712
Email: glowther@ed.ac.uk |
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