Module: Media Writing & Expression

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Media Writing & Expression
Module Code	MCO1026 (ITS: CM2130)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Communications
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module explores the potential and limitations of various media from a writer’s perspective. It is designed to help students to develop their own approach to writing. Looking at genre, audience, dramatic structure and style, the course will involve working with existing writing and student’s own work, produced as part of the course. Selected writings will include The Art of Dramatic Writing by Lajos Egri, Writing for Story: Craft Secrets of Dramatic Nonfiction by Jon Franklin, Story by Robert McKee and Art of Fiction by David Lodge. We will also be using a series of videos, short articles, stories, essays, scripts and interview material from writers of many different disciplines, genres and media.

Learning Outcomes

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2. 1. understand different writing in diverse media;
3.
4.
5. 1
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7. 2. understand the nuances involved in different genres;
8.
9.
10. 2
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12. 3. present industry standard script format and treatments;
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14.
15. 3
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17. 4.Understand the concepts of theme/premise in screenwriting;
18.
19.
20. 4
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22. 5. explain and apply the three-act structure;
23.
24.
25. 5
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27. 6. write and develop character and dialogue in diverse modes.
28.
29.
30. 6

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Directed learning	113	Recommended readings in fiction and non-fiction
Lecture	12	a structured approach to different modes of writing
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10991	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Declan Tuite	Module Teacher	Ferdia MacAnna, Mark O'Brien

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Writing and expression
This module explores the potential and limitations of various media from a writer’s perspective. It is designed to help students to develop their own approach to writing. Looking at genre, audience, dramatic structure and style, the course will involve working with existing writing and student’s own work, produced as part of the course.

n/a
Selected writings will include The Art of Dramatic Writing by Lajos Egri, Writing for Story: Craft Secrets of Dramatic Nonfiction by Jon Franklin, Story by Robert McKee and Art of Fiction by David Lodge. We will also be using a series of videos, short articles, stories, essays, scripts and interview material from writers of many different disciplines, genres and media.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None