Module Definition Form (MDF)

Module code: MOD004643 Version: 3 Date Amended: 28/Oct/2015

1. Module Title Scriptwriting

2a. Module Leader 2b. Department 2c. Faculty Judy Forshaw Department of English and Media Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences

3a. Level 3b. Module Type 6 Standard (fine graded)

4a. Credits 4b. Study Hours 30 300

5. Restrictions Type Module Code Module Name Condition Courses to which this module is restricted: None

LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT INFORMATION 6a. Module Description You will be introduced to the scope and conventions of script writing across a range of forms – film, television, radio and gaming – through analysis of a diverse range of classic and contemporary examples. The creative process is examined, from the collection of ideas at the notebook stage, to the creation of a treatment, to the production and editing of a finished script. You will be required to engage in this process by maintaining a reading journal and writer’s notebook where you will record your responses to material viewed and listened to, and created; thereby encouraging the integration of viewing/listening and writing. Material studied may include screenplays by Paul Schrader, Charlie Kaufman, Sophia Coppola, Quentin Tarantino, Aaron Sorkin and Paul Thomas Anderson. Television series may include, Breaking Bad, Mad Men, The Killing, House of Cards and The Returned. Audio material may include selected Afternoon Plays and radio comedy series. Writing exercises focus on practical writing techniques such as writing an effective treatment or outline, and exploring the different techniques needed for different broadcast mediums. Seminar workshops are based around the reading and writing exercises prepared each week. You will be expected to read out and listen to other students’ work and engage in constructive criticism of the techniques and sources used; you will also discuss questions of audience, style, and research. You will submit your best work produced during the module for assessment at the end of the year, along with a critical commentary. The critical commentary includes a contribution to your Personal Development Planning file.

6b. Outline Content * The history of film, an overview. The digital era – radical changes in the film industry. * The recent rise of the drama TV series. * Analysis of classic scripts across the three forms. * Screenings and discussion across the different mediums. * Student presentations of feature films and televisions series. * Outlets for scripts. * The opportunities, techniques, and limitations of all three forms. * Introduction to dramatic structure and screen language through practical workshops, performed read throughs and writing exercises. * Writing effective treatments. * Writing convincing dialogue. * Constructing effective scenes. * The creative and practical processes of effective script writing. * Giving and receiving constructive criticism. * Guest lecturer of professional scriptwriter. * An emphasis on current scriptwriting practice and employability.

6c. Key Texts/Literature You will watch and listen to film, television, and radio excerpts made available by the course tutors. Feature film extracts will be screened in class, as will extracts from TV series, Student managed learning will include watching TV excepts available through Box of Broadcasts in the library. Screenings of feature film TV extracts will also be facilitated through student presentations. Key Text Ashton, P (2011) The calling card script: a writer’s toolbox for screen, stage and radio, London, A & C Black Further suggested reading Crook, T (1999) Radio Drama: Theory and Practice, London, Routledge Davis, R (2001) Developing Characters for Scriptwriting, London, A & C Black Friedmann, J (2012) The Insider’s Guide to writing for television, Oxford, Trotman Goldman, W (1996) Adventures In The Screen Trade: A Personal View of Hollywood, London, Abacus King, S (2000) On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, London, Hodder & Stoughton MacLoughlin, S (2008) Writing for Radio London, Soundplay Mamet, D (2008) On Directing London, Penguin McKee, R (1999) Story, London, Methuen Seger, L (1987) Making a Good Script Great, London, Samuel French Last Updated:

6d. Specialist Learning Resources None

Generated on 12/01/2016, 04:16:19 Page 1 of 2 7. Learning Outcomes (threshold standards) No. Type On successful completion of this module the student will be expected to be able to: 1 Knowledge and Understanding Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the techniques and conventions of script writing. 2 Knowledge and Understanding Appreciate the range of writing produced within the genre and the differences between writing for different forms. 3 Intellectual, practical, affective and Enrich their own writing through attentive reading, viewing, and listening, transferrable skills maintaining a reading journal. 4 Intellectual, practical, affective and Develop their own script writing through notebooks, research, workshop transferrable skills criticism, and redrafting. 5 Intellectual, practical, affective and Act as editors and critics for work produced by their peers. transferrable skills 6 Intellectual, practical, affective and Critically evaluate their own scripts and writing processes. transferrable skills

8a. Module Occurrence to which this MDF Refers Year Occurrence Period Location Mode of Delivery 2015/6 ZZF Template For Face To Face Face to Face Learning Delivery

8b. Learning Activities for the above Module Occurrence Learning Activities Hours Learning Outcomes Details of Duration, frequency and other comments Lectures 0 None None Other teacher managed learning 48 1-6 2hr session per week seminar and workshop Reading and writing several Student managed learning 252 1-6 times a week. See module tutor during office hours as often as possible TOTAL: 300

9. Assessment for the above Module Occurrence Assessment No. Assessment Method Learning Weighting (%) Fine Grade or Pass/Fail Qualifying Mark Outcomes (%) 010 Coursework 1-4 20 (%) Fine Grade 30 (%) Details: TREATMENTS (2000 WORDS MAX) Treatments (2000 words max): treatments for a short film and a TV series. 011 Coursework 1-4 50 (%) Fine Grade 30 (%) Details: PORTFOLIO - TO INCLUDE TWO SCRIPTS. PLUS SUPPORTING MATERIAL Portfolio. To include two scripts: Plus supporting material. 012 Coursework 5-6 30 (%) Fine Grade 30 (%) Details: CRITICAL COMMENTARY (1500 WORDS MAX) Critical Commentary (1500 words max; PDP embedded here): reflection on critical practice and comparison of different forms.

In order to pass this module, students are required to achieve an overall mark of 40%. In addition, students are required to: (a) achieve the qualifying mark for each element of fine graded assessment of as specified above (b) pass any pass/fail elements

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