Undergraduate Course: Introduction to Screenwriting (DESI08128)
Course Outline
| School | Edinburgh College of Art |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 8 (Year 1 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | 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 a character profile, writing a scene, and writing dialogue. Students are expected to present their ideas through a blog and provide peer feedback to each other¿s work, similarly to professional screenwriting labs.
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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 Monday 28th September at 10.00 am. Please sign up for the course through your own School (they will advise if this is done via 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
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate a broad knowledge of narrative structures in Cinema.
- Undertake critical analysis of narrative structures in different kinds films.
- Communicate complex ideas in writing and by using different cinematic writing tools.
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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 | Dr Itandehui Jansen
Tel: (0131 6)51 5852
Email: I.Jansen@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Ms Georgia Dodsworth
Tel: (0131 6)51 5712
Email: georgia.dodsworth@ed.ac.uk |
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