DCU Home | Our Courses | Loop | Registry | Library | Search DCU

Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2015 - 2016

Module Title
Module Code
School

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
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.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture33No Description
Independent Study217Reading / 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% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
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
Unavailable
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
Archives: