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
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify, conceptualise and define formal elements of craft in dramatic writing.
- work from initial conception through multiple drafts to the final version of a short play.
- understand how indications for the performance text are encoded within the written text of any play and apply these across different contexts.
- be able to give constructive critical feedback on the work of others, and receive and apply feedback on their own work.
- demonstrate knowledge of key concepts, theories and practices which shape contemporary playwriting and apply these across different contexts.
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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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