Writing Short Films Linda J. Cowgill. COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES: Student
will be able to: • Create effective use of plot outline, character biographies, and ...
SYLLABUS CODE:
ENGL 228
TITLE:
Screenwriting Basics Workshop
INSTITUTE.
Humanities
DEPARTMENT: Writing
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students will receive an overview of the art and craft of screenwriting with a focus on how to compose for visual media. Students will learn the three act dramatic structure of set-up, conflict, and resolution. Students will also learn the elements of plot, action, character, description, scene, and dialogue. Students will read contemporary screenplays and analyze them for technique, craft elements, and page to screen effectiveness. In addition, students will learn and utilize proper screenplay format as defined by industry standards. By the end of the course, students will have written a first draft, speculative (spec) script, including a plot outline, character biographies, and treatment. PREREQUISITES: ENGL 121 or approval of instructor COREQUISITES: CREDITS:
3
LECTURE HOURS:
3
LAB HOURS:
0
REQUIRED MATERIALS: The Screenwriter’s Handbook Syd Field Writing Short Films Linda J. Cowgill
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES: Student will be able to:
Create effective use of plot outline, character biographies, and treatment. Incorporate research to enhance the social and historical authenticity of characters, dialects, and settings. Write their own original screenplays demonstrating the ability to develop story concepts, create characters, understand plot structure, and create scenes and sequences. Utilize accepted screenplay protocols and format.
GRADING STANDARD: Attendance: General Attendance: This class focuses on workshopping student writing. Attendance is mandatory. After two absences, the student must see the instructor to determine the student's status. Evaluation and Workload: class participation and workshopped writing 20% analysis of one film and its screenplay 20% one completed first draft screenplay in standard industry format as the final product with outline, character biographies, research, and treatment 60% Numerical grading standards will be specified in the individual instructor’s addendum.
SYLLABUS COURSE CONTENT: Students will receive an overview of the art and craft of screenwriting with a focus on how to compose for visual media. Students will learn the three act dramatic structure of set-up, confrontation, and resolution. Students will also learn the elements of plot, action, character, description, scene, and dialogue. Students will read contemporary screenplays and analyze them for technique, craft elements, and page to screen effectiveness. In addition, students will learn and utilize proper screenplay format as defined by industry standards. By the end of the course, students will have written a first draft, speculative (spec) script, including a plot outline, character biographies, and treatment.
DEPARTMENT POLICIES: On Plagiarism and Academic Integrity A student has an obligation to exhibit honesty and high ethical standards in carrying out academic assignments. Submitting the work of another person in a manner that represents the work as one's own (even if it's only a few lines or an idea or a portion of a paper) constitutes plagiarism and can result in failing the assignment, failing the class, suspension from school, or even expulsion. Note: Refer to Answers Student Handbook for Brookdale's Academic Integrity Code, Student Conduct Code and Student Grade Appeal Process.
COLLEGE POLICIES: For information regarding: Brookdale’s Academic Integrity Code Student Conduct Code Student Grade Appeal Process Please refer to the STUDENT HANDBOOK AND BCC CATALOG.
NOTIFICATION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Brookdale Community College offers reasonable accommodations and/or services to persons with disabilities. Students with disabilities who wish to self-identify must contact the Disabilities Services Office at 732-224-2730 or 732-842-4211 (TTY), provide appropriate documentation of the disability, and request specific accommodations or services. If a student qualifies, reasonable accommodations and/or services, which are appropriate for the college level and are recommended in the documentation, can be approved.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT/LABS: Department Office location - East Wing of Larrison Hall - LAH 222. Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Phone - (732) 224-2513. Writing Center- The Writing Center offers additional assistance to improve student writing. A halfhour appointment in the Writing Center assures students of one-on-one time with a learning assistant. Learning Assistants provide editorial comments and feedback at any stage of the writing process. The Writing Center is located in Larrison Hall, Room 118. Phone - (732) 2242941.
SYLLABUS Writing Center Hours: Monday through Thursday 9:00 AM - 9:30 PM Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Saturday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Writing Center assistance is also available at the Higher Education Centers located in Eastern Monmouth (732) 774-3363, Long Branch (732) 224-2757, Northern Monmouth (732) 739-6010, and Western Monmouth (732) 625-7010. Call the HEC offices for appointment hours.
Fall 2009
