Module: Scriptwriting

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).

As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Scriptwriting
Module Code	CM285 (ITS) / LIT1014 (Banner)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Communications
Module Co-ordinator	Marcos Dias
Module Teachers	Declan Tuite, Dónal Mulligan, Orla Bourke
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

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: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
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