In this module students will plan, research and write an ambitious, hour-long play on a topic of their own choosing, and will document their research and development process with a detailed analytical essay.
Module will run
Occurrence
Teaching period
A
Spring Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23
Module aims
The aims of this module are
to provide the opportunity to write an hour-long play
to give students the opportunity to design and execute an ambitious independent scriptwriting project
to provide students with a range of strategies for generating script ideas
to test and enhance their command of the knowledge, skills, and techniques acquired during previous scriptwriting modules in a context where, although supported by supervisorial guidance, they have the chance to create their own agendas and devise methods to carry them out
to enable students to understand and participate actively in the process of script development
to develop in them the self-analytical capacity to reflect on the function, scope and effectiveness of your R&D period
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module students will be expected
to have written a 11,000-12,000 script and careful analysis of their research and writing process
to have applied and extended the understanding, skills, and knowledge acquired through their work on earlier scriptwriting modules
to have demonstrated a working knowledge of structure, and to have chosen an appropriate narrative structure for the story they are telling in their play
to demonstrate familiarity with the form, structure & formatting of scripts for theatre
to demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between structure, story and character
to demonstrate an understanding of how characters are created and developed, and of the interplay between character and action
to demonstrate a detailed understanding of the form(s) of a play text – including how to best distinguish (where appropriate) scenes, action, and dialogue – using industry-standard layout & formatting
to be able to analyse lucidly, and report on, the function, scope and effectiveness of their R&D period
Module content
There are three stages to the teaching and learning on this module:
Weeks 2-5 Spring: Introductory lectures whilst students plan/scope their plays
Weeks 6-9 Spring: Research and Development period (a four-week taught period)
Weeks 1-7 Summer: One to one supervision of projects.
Reflective essay on R+D (3,000 words) due in Week 10 of the spring term.
Results of R+D and work so far will be discussed with tutors by the end of the Spring Term, and next steps towards a first draft agreed before the Easter break.
Assessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework 11,000 Word Script
N/A
75
Essay/coursework 3000 Word Essay
N/A
25
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
Formative feedback takes place throughout the term in the supervisions.
Reassessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework 11,000 Word Script
N/A
75
Essay/coursework 3000 Word Essay
N/A
25
Module feedback
Students will receive written feedback on all assessments and reassessments.
Indicative reading
Due to the independent nature of this project, students will create their own bibliography.