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Scriptwriting I - TFT00017C

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  • Department: Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Bridget Foreman
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module summary

This module aims to start students experimenting with their own scriptwriting, via a course which teaches foundational skills in key areas of the craft. It combines this with analytical exploration of exemplary practice by leading writers, as well as exploration of methods for workshopping and commenting upon scripts in progress. As with other first year modules, a principal aim is to ensure that analysis informs practice, and vice versa.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23

Module aims

to introduce you to core playwriting skills, especially in creating characters, in crafting dialogue, in plotting a scene, and in imagining dramatically effective stage visuals;

to explore, in a variety of major works, the solutions playwrights have found to these challenges;

Module learning outcomes

Subject content

The acquisition of key scriptwriting skills, via practical experiment

The exploration of comparable techniques at work in classic playscripts from a range of periods and in a range of styles and genres

Academic and graduate skills

Ability to write stage dialogue and plot a scene

Ability to analyse the craft skill at work in well-executed scripts

Ability to analyse the relationship between the writer's and the actor's input in realised performances of scripts

Ability to investigate materials from the past systematically and imaginatively

Ability to absorb, and put successfully into practice, unfamiliar and challenging approaches

Ability to produce logical and well-structured arguments supported by relevant evidence

Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively and to a high standard in writing, orally and through IT

Ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines in appropriate fashion;

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
2500 Word Scriptwriting Exercise		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Reassessment - Essay		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Written feedback on formative assessment, oral feedback from the tutor on the first draft of the summative assessment, peer feedback throughout the module. Our aim with formatives is to return feedback within two weeks of submission, while, with summative essays, we aim to provide feedback within the 20 working day return period specified by the university.

Indicative reading

P. Castagno, New Playwriting Strategies: A Language-Based Approach to Playwriting (2001)

L. Catron and Mary Luckhurst, The Elements of Playwriting (1993)

l. Egri, The Art of Dramatic Writing (2007)

S. Smiley and N. Bert, Playwriting: The Structure of Action (2005)

V. Taylor, Stage Writing: A Practical Guide (2002)


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.