ENGL6115 Scriptwriting
Module Overview
This module is an introduction to the basic skills and contexts of script writing. It is not aimed at any one specific medium but will offer introductions to the requirements of theatre and film. You will be expected to engage in some practical drama workshops script. Assessment will be based on the submission of a written script and accompanying critical reflection at the end of the module.
Aims and Objectives
Module Aims
. provide a supportive learning environment for the development of your skills in writing scripts for either theatre, television or cinema . extend your understanding of the demands of different performance media and venues . introduce a wide range of scriptwriting techniques
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- how to write a script
- the process of development and revision involved in creating scripts
- how to achieve originality, linguistic versatility, and form in the handling of dialogue, action, visual effect and overall structural control in your script writing
- how scripts are developed into performance for different media
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- handle complex demands of script composition in an analytic manner
- make literary judgements of scripts in an informed way
- independently evaluate and apply compositional methods
- interact effectively with audiences via the performance of a script
- demonstrate originality through your writing
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- write fluently in a range of styles
- present ideas effectively in a script
- revise and edit creative writing to a professional standard
- translate text into performance
- manage deadlines and make effective use of your time
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- revise and edit your work effectively
- distinguish your aims as a scriptwriter
- create the key structures needed for a script
- explore ways of realising your script in performance
Syllabus
Classroom activity will be aimed at exploring the interaction of script and performance, as well as devoted to the basic analysis of how scripts work. Differences between the media of various types of theatre, television and cinema will be addressed both in set reading and through exploratory investigation in the seminars.
Special Features
Classroom activity will be aimed at exploring the interaction of script and performance, as well as devoted to the basic analysis of how scripts work. Differences between the media of various types of theatre, television and cinema will be addressed both in set reading and through exploratory investigation in the seminars.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include analysis of cinematic material for group discussion, practical drama work with student works-in-progress alongside exemplar scripts from cinema, television and modern theatre, and seminar discussion of scriptwriting techniques. Learning activities include responding in detail to student scripts and readings, studying published scripts, and writing drafts for performance and seminar discussion. Seminar writing tasks with provide informal, on-module feedback, supported tutorial discussion of works-in- progress.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Teaching | 20 |
| Independent Study | 130 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Jez Butterworth. Jerusalem.
Jane Bodie. A Single Act.
Alternative Scriptwriting.
Sarah Kane. Blasted.
Joan MacLeod. The Shape of a Girl.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind by Charlie Kaufman. screenplay
Dirty Pretty Things by Steven Knight. screenplay
Martin McDonagh. The Beauty Queen of Leenane.
The Methuen Book of Modern Drama.
Desperate Housewives by Marc Cherry. television script
Edward Albee. The Goat (or Who is Sylvia.
David Harrower. Blackbird.
debbie tucker green. Random.
Mother of Him by Evan Placey. script
Marius von Mayenburg. The Ugly One.
Mark Ravenhill. Shopping and F**king.
Banana Boys or Holloway Jones by Evan Placey. plays for young people
David Mamet. Glengarry Glen Ross.
Misfits by Howard Overman. television script
Laura Wade. Breathing Corpses.
Story.
Caryl Churchill. Top Girls.
The Hour by Abi Morgan. television script
Tony Kushner. Angels in America (parts 1 & 2).
Assessment
Summative
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Critical commentary (1000 words) | 25% |
| Written assignment (20 minutes) | 75% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal