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2011/2 Provisional Module Catalogue - UNDER CONSTRUCTION & SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Module Code: MFC2041

Module Title: SCRIPTS AND SCREENS

Module Provider: Dance,Film & Theatre	Short Name: MFC2041
Level: HE2	Module Co-ordinator: HUGHES HA Dr (Dnc Flm Thtr)
Number of credits: 15	Number of ECTS credits: 7.5

Module Availability

Semester 1.

Assessment Pattern

Unit(s) of Assessment (SITS MAB)

Weighting Towards Module Mark( %)

Contribution to class discussions and assignments

30%

10 minute script

70%

Module Overview

Screenwriting is not only an art, but a craft that can be studied, practised and learned. In this module, students will have the opportunity to learn what goes into writing a compelling script for film or television. Through analysing film clips, reading extracts from screenplays, participating in class discussions, then developing and writing a 10-minute script of their own, students will be offered a comprehensive overview of the screenwriting process.

Prerequisites/Co-requisites

None.

Module Aims

This module aims to develop the skills required for students to produce a professionally formatted script for a ten minute short fiction film. It also aims to develop strategies for developing creativity and for turning ideas into viable projects.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

SUBJECT-SPECIFIC

· Demonstrate an understanding of the craft of scriptwriting

· Analyse films using the three act structure and “hero’s journey”

· Understand what makes a compelling character

· Create pace and tension through rising stakes

· Work with visual image systems

· Deconstruct a scene in terms of its plot, character development, tone and style

· Develop and write a 10-minute script through successive drafts

· Critique peer scripts and interpret development notes

GENERAL

· Develop critical thinking in relation to screenwriting

· Give and receive feedback in relation to their own and other’s work

Module Content

After a general introduction to the craft of screenwriting, students will learn about the three-act structure and “hero’s journey”, developing a character, emotional turning points, crafting a scene, building dialogue and subtext, working with theme, style and visual image systems.

Clips from various films will be screened and discussed including possibly:

Amelie (2001)

Billy Elliot (2000)

Sideways (2004)

The Ice Storm (1997)

The Lunch Date (1989) (short)

Wasp (2003) (short)

My Wrongs 8245-8249 and 117 (2002) (short)

Gasman (1997) (short)

Methods of Teaching/Learning

The module will be delivered in seminars and workshops of varying lengths. At the start of the module the tutor will develop various concepts and techniques relating to writing scripts for short films. Students will then practice and develop these ideas in workshops. Sessions will involve screenings and discussions, as well as tutor and peer review of scripts. Each student will have a one-to-one session with the tutor to discuss a complete draft of the script before it is finally refined and handed in.

Selected Texts/Journals

Weighting Towards Module Mark( %)

SUBJECT-SPECIFIC

GENERAL

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