Topic: Advanced Screenwriting

TimeDaysLocationInstructorGERCreditOPUS Class NumberSyllabus (Tentative)
2:30pm-5:30pm
Th
Schwartz Center 142
Joseph Skibell. HAPW. 412862 TBA.

January 13, 2010- April 26, 2010

Prerequisites: ENG 378R/FILM 402 (Creative Writing workshop)
Crosslisted: FILM373-00P.

Semester Details:

This workshop will focus on advanced storytelling techniques when writing for the screen. We will explore scene transitions, sequencing, character arcs, dialog, climax and completion of a medium-length screenplay. Using feature-length format, students will evaluate each other's scripts in an intensive workshop environment. The course will also concentrate on theme, genre, story development and dramatic structure. Classes will be conducted as workshops in which the main emphasis is on the students' own work, with much in-class writing and improvisation.

Students should budget for photocopying. 

This is a permission-only course. For instructions on the application process, please go to http://www.creativewriting.emory.edu/atlas/index.html

Application form:  http://www.creativewriting.emory.edu/students/courseapp.html



NOTE:  Film Studies students should submit application forms to Paula Vitaris in the Creative Writing Program office, N209 Callaway Center.  Please state on the application you want this course as FILM 373 and also indicate if you've taken the pre-requisite FILM 402 screenwriting workshop that is crosslisted with ENG 378R. 





Required Textbooks, Articles, and Resources

  1. McKee, Robert. Story.

Grading

Assignment/ExamDetails% of Total Grade
Writing, reading and class participationAssessment: Students will be assessed on their writing and critical reading skills. 50% of the grade will come from the students' written work (15% for the first two assignments and 20% for the final assignment) and 50% from class participation (discussions, reading, written critiques of classmates' work).
Extracurricular activitiesStudents are required to attend on-campus readings and colloquia sponsored by the Creative Writing Program outside of class time, and are encouraged to attend any other activities sponsored by the Program.

The schedule of courses on O.P.U.S. is the official listing of courses, including days and times they meet and the General Education Requirements they satisfy. Students should use course descriptions as general guidelines. Course requirements, grading details, book lists, and syllabi are subject to change.