Module: Scriptwriting

Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Scriptwriting
Module Code	CM285
School	School of Communications
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Marcos Dias Semester 2: Declan Tuite Autumn: Declan Tuite
Module Teachers	Pat Brereton Declan Tuite Donal Mulligan Ester Toribio-Roura Orla Bourke
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

None
Array

Description

The module engages students in the principles and the practice of effectivedramatic writing. This is done in relation to both fiction and nonfiction.Texts from both traditional (radio, film, short story, etc) and new media(web, cd, etc) will be studied. Students will assess existing texts invarious media and learn to conceptualize dramatically and write shortevocative scripts. This will involve the likes of storyboarding and writingexercises. Beyond this the module is not production based.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the principles and practice of effective dramatic writing.
2. Write short evocative scripts
3. Assess existing texts both traditional and new media.
4. Demonstrate dramatic conceptualisation by producing their own scripts.
5. Identify and develop appropriate structures for different media forms.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	33	No Description
Independent Study	217	Reading / Writing Scripts
Total Workload: 250

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

The major topics which will be considered both in relation to existing texts and students' own writing include

Generating Ideas,
Generating Ideas,

Fiction vs. Nonfiction

Research

Evocative Prose

Story Development

Dramatic Elements & Structure

Characters & Dialogue

Script Visualization

Theme, Style, & Symbol.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Participation	character biography / 10minute silent movie script	30%	Week 8
Participation	20 min film script	70%	Week 12

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Lajos Egri: 1995, The Art of Creative Writing., Citadel Press.,
Jon Franklin: 1988, Writing for Story : Craft Secrets of DramaticNonfiction., Mentor.,
Linda Seger: 1996, The Art of Adaptation: Turning Fact and Fiction intoFilm., Henry Holt &Co.,
Robert McKee: 0, Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles ofScreenwriting, Methuen.,
R.B. Tobias: 1996, Twenty Master Plots and How to Build Them., Platkus.,
Michael Littleton et al: 1994, Prize Winning Radio Stories., Mercier.,

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

MMA	BSc in Multimedia

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