Course Title: Write scripts
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2011
Course Code: COMM5907C
Course Title: Write scripts
School: 345T Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6087 - Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media
Course Contact : Program Administration
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815
Course Contact Email:mctafe@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Teacher: Ms Barbara Gliddon
Phone: 9925 4072
Email: barbara.gliddon@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 50
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None
Course Description
Write Scripts looks at the skills and knowledge required to write scripts for a creative production. During this course you work collaboratively with others to develop a concept into a draft script.
This course is co-delivered with Establish the Creative Vision for Screen.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUFWRT601A Write scripts |
Element: |
1 Prepare to write scripts. |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Evaluate existing narrative form in preparation for developing scripts for specified productions |
Element: |
2 Write draft scripts. |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Develop scripts using a range of appropriate script-writing tools and techniques |
Element: |
3 Produce final scripts |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Document and incorporate feedback from relevant personnel |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to write a short screenplay, understand copyright for this screenplay, apply effective interpersonal communication techniques, work to deadline and work in collaboration with others including a professional attitude to feedback and its possible incorporation.
Details of Learning Activities
Students will participate in observation, listening and writing exercises plus discussions, viewings analysing material.
Research workshop simulations filed work and excursions will also be included.
In-class learning activities include, but are not limited to:
• Observation
• Listening and writing exercises
• screenings
• group discussion
• analysis of material
• teacher directed group activities/projects
• workshopping of students’ own projects
Out-of-class activities include, but are not limited to,
• research
• reading
• independent project based work
Teaching Schedule
Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.
| Week | Class Content | Elements |
|
Week 1 7/2/11 |
Orientation evaluating screenplays | 1.1. |
|
Week 2 14/2/11 |
Discussion on previous productions and the role of writing | 1.1. |
|
Week 3 21/2/11 |
Silent films, short films and mise-en-scene and genre | 1.2 |
|
Week 4 28/2/11 |
The roles of listening and observing in screenwriting | 1.2.,1.3 |
|
Week 5 7/3/11 |
Characterisation – back stories and internal logic. | 2.2, |
|
Week 6 14/3/11 |
Working in teams- storylining to brief and deadline. | 1.4, 1.5 |
|
Week 7 21/3/11 |
Structure -Acts and turning points | 1.3 |
|
Week 8 28/3/11 |
Fine structure –the shape of scenes. | 1.3, 2.1, |
|
Week 9 4/4/11 |
Budget and writing. | 2.4, |
|
Week 10 11/4/11 |
Copyright and legal obligations in screenwriting. | 2.3, |
|
Week 11 18/4/11 |
Writing the screenplay. Writing the first draft. | 2.1 |
|
Week 12 2/5/11 |
One to one meetings with the teacher. | 1.4, 2.4, |
|
Week 13 9/5/11 |
Script editing and feedback | 1.4,1.5,3.1 |
|
Week 14 16/5/11 |
Production requirements, the logistics of the shoot. | 3.2 |
|
Week 15 23/5/11 |
Evaluating and reflecting upon feedback from eg a producer | 3.1 |
|
Week 16 30/5/11 |
Re drafting to deadline | 3.2 |
|
Week 17 6/6/11 |
Assessment and review | 3.3 |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
A variety of screenplays |
References
You are advised to look at the course Blackboard site for ongoing updated information. |
Other Resources
A computer and access to screenwriting software.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester and involves practical exercises, knowledge assessment tasks and written projects.
Assessment Tasks
1. Reflective practice
You are to prepare and deliver a two to four page (double speced) reflective piece on your observations and reflections on producing your most recent production (eg your Diploma film) and te positive and negative aspects of brining the screenplay to the screen. Due Week 3
2. Writing
You are to write a seven to twelve minute screenplay for the productionin second semester. Due Week 13
To demonstrate competency in this course, you will need to complete the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessment.
Grades used in this unit are as follows:
Grades which apply to curriculum-based courses:
80 – 100% HD High Distinction
70 – 79% DI Distinction
60 – 69% CR Credit
50 – 59% PA Pass
Under 50% NN Fail
For further information on the grading system and criteria used, please refer to the course blackboard site.
Assessment Matrix
Other Information
Feedback:
You will receive verbal and written feedback by teacher on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Late Submissions
Please refer to the course blackboard site for policy information including information on late submissions and plagiarism
Plagiarism
RMIT has a strict policy on plagiarism. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview