THEA321 Scriptwriting for the Theatre

Updated: 21 July 2010

Unit Information
Additional Information

Credit Points

Offering

Responsible Campus	Teaching Period	Mode of Study	Online Level
Armidale	Semester 2	Off Campus	C - Internet access required
Armidale	Semester 2	On Campus	C - Internet access required

Intensive School(s)

Start	Finish	Attendance	Notes
06 September 2010	09 September 2010	Mandatory

Supervised Exam

There is no UNE Supervised Examination.

Pre-requisites

any 36cp or 12cp in THEA units

Co-requisites

None

Restrictions

THEA221

Notes

offered in even numbered years

Combined Units

None

Coordinator(s)

Adrian Kiernander (akiernan@une.edu.au)

Unit Description

This unit is designed to introduce those wishing to sharpen their skills to the demands of scriptwriting. It focuses on types of script and the function of dialogue, and will cover development of character, plot and story line and ideas for script development. Topics covered include sources for script writing (theme, situation); developing character through dialogue, plot development, types of play, physical aspects of the stage, the function of stage directions. On average there is a one hour seminar and a two hour workshop per week.

Prescribed Material
Mandatory

Text(s):

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material

Macbeth: ISBN: 9780141013695

Shakespeare, Any version 2005

Text refers to: Semester 2 , On and Off Campus
The Complete Dramatic Works: ISBN: 9780571229154

Beckett, S., Faber and Faber 2006

Text refers to: Semester 2 , On and Off Campus
Rosencrantz and Guildernstern Are Dead: ISBN: 9780571081820

Stoppard, T., Faber and Faber 2005

Text refers to: Semester 2 , On and Off Campus
Complete Plays: ISBN: 9780413742605

Kane, S., Methuen Drama 2006

Text refers to: Semester 2 , On and Off Campus
Fear and Misery in the Third Reich: ISBN: 9781408100080

Brecht, B., Methuen Drama 2009

Text refers to: Semester 2 , On and Off Campus
THEA321 Collected Plays: ISBN: ARAK01

Theatre Studies Staff (eds), School of Arts

Note: Available from the United Campus Bookshops, UNE

Text refers to: Semester 2 , On and Off Campus

Disclaimer

Unit information may be subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Assessment

Title	Weight	No. Words
Assignment 1	30%	2000
Assessment Notes
Major work (play script)

Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 2, 3, 4 GA: 1, 2, 3, 6, 7
Exercise	50%	2000
Assessment Notes
Five short writing exercises (10% each)

Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1, 2, 3 GA: 1, 2, 3, 6, 7
Workshop	20%
Assessment Notes
Structured Workshop/Intensive School participation

Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 5 GA: 2, 8

Learning Outcomes (LO)

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

understand the elements of a range of scriptwriting forms throughout theatre history;
find promising themes, topics and situations for scripts;
write dialogue which stages interesting characters, action and/or ideas;
demonstrate the ability to write dialogue and action within a clear structure;
analyse and critique his/her own achievements.

Graduate Attributes (GA)

	Attribute	Taught	Assessed	Practised
1	Knowledge of a Discipline This unit provides an advanced exploration of theatre practice, and a wide range of plays, from the particular point of view of the playwright.
2	Communication Skills This unit gives students experience in communicating with actors and audiences through the use of dialogue and stage directions.
3	Global Perspectives Students study scripts from around the world which represent a range of cultural practices and behaviours.
4	Information Literacy Students can make use of IT tools in their research and the typographical layout of scripts but this is not required.
5	Life-Long Learning The experience of studying scriptwriting encourages ways of thinking and provides insights into the creative process which endure far beyond the immediate period of study.
6	Problem Solving The writing exercises are set up as problems to be solved creatively.
7	Social Responsibility Controlling the representation of others through writing, especially members of minority groups, requires a keen awareness of social responsibility.
8	Team Work Students practise working in teams by performing one another's scripts in workshops and at Intensive Schools.

Global UNE Links:

Course and Unit Catalogue 2010

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THEA321 Scriptwriting for the Theatre

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