Undergraduate Course: Writing for Theatre: An Introduction (ENLI10342)
Course Outline
| School | School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course is a practical playwriting course which aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of writing drama, taught through a combination of dramaturgical script analysis on extant play texts, and writing exercises through which students will write their own short works for the stage. Issues to be addressed may include: character and action; dialogue; plot and structure; theatre semiotics; the transition from page to stage. It will also offer students a chance to practice drafting and redrafting their work, to give and receive feedback on their writing from their peers through a series of workshops on their own scripts. By the end of the course students will have gained insight into the fundamentals of dramatic writing, of different genres, for the stage and have increased skills in both theatre criticism and dramaturgy, through learning how to critically read a new play text and give, receive, evaluate and apply feedback from both peers and professionals. |
| Course description |
This course is a practical playwriting course which aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of writing drama, taught through a combination of dramaturgical script analysis on extant play texts, and writing exercises through which students will write their own short works for the stage. Issues to be addressed may include: character and action; dialogue; plot and structure; theatre semiotics; the transition from page to stage. It will also offer students a chance to practice drafting and redrafting their work, to give and receive feedback on their writing from their peers through a series of workshops on their own scripts. By the end of the course students will have gained insight into the fundamentals of dramatic writing, of different genres, for the stage and have increased skills in both theatre criticism and dramaturgy, through learning how to critically read a new play text and give, receive, evaluate and apply feedback from both peers and professionals.
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Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | A MINIMUM of 4 college/university level literature courses at grade B or above (should include no more than one introductory level literature course). Related courses such as cross disciplinary, "Freshman Seminars", civilisation or creative writing classes are not considered for admission to this course.
Applicants should also note that, as with other popular courses, meeting the minimum does NOT guarantee admission. In making admissions decisions preference will be given to students who achieve above the minimum requirement with the typical visiting student admitted to this course
having four or more literature classes at grade A.
** as numbers are limited, visiting students should contact the Visiting Student Office directly for admission to this course **
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| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2024/25, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: 15 |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
196 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
mid-semester Assessment parts 1 and 2 (40%)
A short play of 20-30 minutes running time (60%) |
| Feedback |
Not entered |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- gained an insight into the fundamentals of writing for theatre.
- been introduced to writing the short play form, a basic calling card for theatre companies in the UK.
- been introduced to the theories of sign systems at work within a theatre text and performance and be able to analyze a performance according to these theories.
- had critical feedback and development on their work led by a professional playwright and director actively working in the industry.
- increased skills in both theatre criticism and dramaturgy.
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Reading List
Howard, Philip ed. Scottish Shorts, selected and introduced by Philip Howard, Nick Hern Books Aug 2010 (digital version available via Library)
Jeffreys, Stephen & McKeown, Maeve. Playwriting: Structure, Character, How and What to Write, NHB 2019 (digital version available via Library)
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Contacts
| Course organiser | Ms Nicola McCartney
Tel: (0131 6)50 3629
Email: nicola.mccartney@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Hope Hamilton
Tel: (0131 6)50 4167
Email: hope.hamilton@ed.ac.uk |
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