PURPOSE:

 
The script is the first step in the process of constructing an aural or visual message.  Our goal is to appreciate the differ-ences between written material which is meant to be spoken and that which is meant to be read.  This course will also explore the power of language as combined with the image to produce effective messages.
 
Since there are a number of courses in the department dealing with newswriting, this course will focus on other types of script-writing, particularly narrative. Understanding narrative construc-tion (i.e. the establishment of character, the development of conflict, etc.) is useful in approaching other types of writing such as persuasive scripts (PSAs and advertisements) and documen-taries.
 

TEXTBOOKS:

D - Dyas, Ronald D.  Screenwriting for Television and Film. (Madison, WI:  WCB Brown & Benchmark Publishers, 1993)
E - Egri, Lajos.  The Art of Dramatic Writing.  (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1960)
L - Lucey, Paul. Story Sense. (New York, NY:  The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 1996)

Also, reserved readings in the Library.
 

ATTENDANCE:

 
Because the class is conducted as a workshop, attendance is essential.  Not only is it important for you to receive feedback from the class on your ideas, but providing critique for others is important for them and an excellent learning experience for you.  As with any job or commitment, a certain number of absences are discretionary - in this case three.  After three absences your participation grade will be lowered a letter for each subsequent absence.  At the sixth absence (which is considered to be exces-sive), your participation grade will be lowered to an F.  Seven absences or beyond may result in a lowering of your final grade.  Severe illnesses which result in excessive absences must be documented in order to avoid penalty.
 

GRADES:

Major Script:
          Treatment............................................10%
    Character Biographies and Settings...................10%
         Opening Scene........................................ 5%
        Major Script (an hour long)..........................25%
 
Analyses:
  Television...........................................15%
   Film.................................................15%
   Script...............................................10%
 
Other
   Class Participation.................................. 5%
  Personal Journals.................................... 5%

 
Grades on the Major Script are determined by your progress in quality from first draft to final draft.  Your individual ability to improve your writing through skillful revisions and consistent, on-time discipline is the primary basis for your grade.
 

CLASS SCHEDULE (Subject to Change):
 

Sept.  3 (W)     Introduction to the Course

The Idea

Sept.  8 (M)     Writing for the Large & Small Screens  L pp. 141- 146, D 1
 
Sept. 10 (W)     Developing an Idea     L 1, D 5, D pp.54-59

The Premise Statement

Sept. 15 (M)     Formulating a Premise Statement  E I
 
Sept. 17 (W)     Presentation of Premise Statements
                          Premise Statement Due

Story Development

Sept. 22 (M)     Story Structure      L 2, D 3 E III (l-7)
 
Sept. 24 (W)     Discussion with Scriptwriter & Filmmaker Jim Robinson

Sept. 29 (M)     Development of Story and Multiple Plots L 3, D 6
 

The Treatment/Outline
 
Oct.   1 (W)     Development of Treatments and Outlines
 
Oct.   6 (M)     Presentation of Treatments l-10

Oct.   8 (W)     Presentation of Treatments 11-20
                       All Treatments/Outlines Due
                        Satellite Seminar - Creating Prime-Time Comedy:  Frasier, Library, 7:30 PM
 
Oct.  13 (M)     Structure of Television Programs  D 2

Oct.  15 (W)
 
Oct.  20 (M)     Development of Multiple Plots in both Film and Television

The Characters

Oct.  22 (W)     Development of Characters    E II
                           Treatment Presentations    D pp. 110-                 114

Oct.  27 (M)     Characters in Ensemble    L 5
                           Treatment Presentations
                           Film Analysis Due

Oct.  29 (W)     Character Revealing Monologue/Dialogue E IV (1-4), L 6

Writing the Script

Nov.    3 (M)     Writing Dialogue     D 10

Nov.    5 (W)     Scene and Act Structure    L 4 & 7
                           Character Biography Presentations 1-4
 
Nov.   10 (M)     Writing the Opening Act    D 8 & pp.    Analysis of Television Program Due 131-140
                            Character Biography Presentations 5-8 L 8-9

Nov.   11 (T)     Satellite Seminar - Creating Prime-Time Drama:  Law & Order Library, 6:30 PM

Nov.   12 (W)     Writing the Opening Act    E III(8-10),
                           Character Biography Presentations 9-12   IV (1-2) L 10

 
Nov.   17 (M)     Developing Characters & Conflict to  D pp. 140-   Crisis        146 & 11
                           Character Biography Presentations 13-16

Nov.   19 (W)     Developing Characters & Conflict to Crisis
                           Character Biography Presentations 17-21
                           Character Biographies and Settings Due
 
Nov.   24 (M)     Developing Characters & Conflict TO Crisis
 
Nov.   26 (W)     No Class - Appointments with
                           Professor - Script Analysis Due

Dec.    1 (M)     Bringing your Script to a Satisfying  L 11 Conclusion
                           Opening Act Due

Dec.    3 (W)     Bringing your Script to a SatisfyinG Conclusion

Dec.    8 (M)     Writing Careers and the Industry  L 12
                           Personal Journal Due    D 12

Dec. 13 (Saturday, noon) Final Script Due

DUE DATES:

Oct.  27   Film Analysis Due (15%)

Nov.  10   Television Analysis Due (15%)

Nov.  19   Character Biographies and Settings Due (10%)

Nov.  26  Script Analysis Due (10%)

Dec.   1   Opening Act Due (5%)

Dec.   8   Personal Journal Due (5%)

Dec. 13 (Saturday, noon) Final Script (25%) Due