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  2. Scriptwriting: Short Films [FAV2102]

School: Arts and Humanities

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Scriptwriting: Short Films

  • Unit Code

    FAV2102

  • Year

    2016

  • Enrolment Period

    1

  • Version

    2

  • Credit Points

    15

  • Full Year Unit

    N

  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus

Description

This unit provides an active, practice-based introduction to scriptwriting for screen across a variety of platforms.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded FAV4102

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Recognise the distinctive characteristics of screen stories and how these influence script organisation and preparation.
  2. Demonstrate research skills and an understanding of their importance in the preparation of scripts.
  3. Analyse the elements of dramatic writing, particularly the development of plot and character.
  4. Produce scripts for a short drama or documentary for the screen.

Unit Content

  1. Analysis and discussion of a variety of screen texts.
  2. Exercises in preparing scripts for the screen.
  3. Exercises in the elements of dramatic writing- dialogue, character plot and visual storytelling.
  4. Development through various stages of a script for a short drama, documentary or animation.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures. Tutorials. Screenings.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
Creative WorkMinor Project40%
AssignmentMajor Project60%

Text References


  • Aronson, L. (2000). Scriptwriting updated: New and conventional ways of writing for the screen. St Leonards, Australia: Allen & Unwin.

  • Ballon, R. F. (2004). Blueprint for screenwriting: A complete writer's guide to story structure and character development. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
  • Bernard, S. C. (2011). Documentary storytelling: creative nonfiction on screen. (3rd ed.). Amsterdam: Focal Press.

  • Bicat, T., & Macnabb, T. (2002). Creative screenwriting. Marlborough: Crowood.
  • Cooper, P., & Dancyger, K. (2005). Writing the short film. (3rd ed.) Boston: Focal Press.

  • Johnson, C.. (2005). Crafting short screenplays that connect [electronic resource]. Burlington, IN: Elsevier.

  • McKee, R. (1999). Story: Substance, structure, style and the principles of screenwriting. London, United Kingdom: Metheun.

  • Vogler, C. (1998). The writer's journey: Mythic structure for writers. CA: Wiese.
  • ^
    Cowgill, L. J. (2005). Writing short films: Structure and content for screenwriters. (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Watson-Guptill Publications.

^ Mandatory reference

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

FAV2102|2|1

School: Arts and Humanities

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Scriptwriting: Short Films

  • Unit Code

    FAV2102

  • Year

    2016

  • Enrolment Period

    2

  • Version

    2

  • Credit Points

    15

  • Full Year Unit

    N

  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus

Description

This unit provides an active, practice-based introduction to scriptwriting for screen across a variety of platforms.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded FAV4102

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Recognise the distinctive characteristics of screen stories and how these influence script organisation and preparation.
  2. Demonstrate research skills and an understanding of their importance in the preparation of scripts.
  3. Analyse the elements of dramatic writing, particularly the development of plot and character.
  4. Produce scripts for a short drama or documentary for the screen.

Unit Content

  1. Analysis and discussion of a variety of screen texts.
  2. Exercises in preparing scripts for the screen.
  3. Exercises in the elements of dramatic writing- dialogue, character plot and visual storytelling.
  4. Development through various stages of a script for a short drama, documentary or animation.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures. Tutorials. Screenings.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
Creative WorkMinor Project40%
AssignmentMajor Project60%

Text References


  • Aronson, L. (2000). Scriptwriting updated: New and conventional ways of writing for the screen. St Leonards, Australia: Allen & Unwin.

  • Ballon, R. F. (2004). Blueprint for screenwriting: A complete writer's guide to story structure and character development. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
  • Bernard, S. C. (2011). Documentary storytelling: creative nonfiction on screen. (3rd ed.). Amsterdam: Focal Press.

  • Bicat, T., & Macnabb, T. (2002). Creative screenwriting. Marlborough: Crowood.
  • Cooper, P., & Dancyger, K. (2005). Writing the short film. (3rd ed.) Boston: Focal Press.

  • Johnson, C.. (2005). Crafting short screenplays that connect [electronic resource]. Burlington, IN: Elsevier.

  • McKee, R. (1999). Story: Substance, structure, style and the principles of screenwriting. London, United Kingdom: Metheun.

  • Vogler, C. (1998). The writer's journey: Mythic structure for writers. CA: Wiese.
  • ^
    Cowgill, L. J. (2005). Writing short films: Structure and content for screenwriters. (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Watson-Guptill Publications.

^ Mandatory reference

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

FAV2102|2|2