Key facts
UNE unit code: THEA321
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
Before the curtain rises or the camera rolls, there is the script: the foundation from which a director, cast and production crew work together to engage, move and delight an audience.
In this unit you’ll be introduced to the foundational elements of writing for performance, including the transferable skills and key differences between writing for the stage and screen.
Through a series of practical workshops, you’ll have the opportunity to hone a range of dramatic writing skills, including plotting, structure, dialogue, character, visual storytelling and script editing, and gain valuable insights into working for the stage and screen industries.
While there are important differences between each medium, the building blocks of drama are the same, no matter which medium you’re writing for. This unit will give you the tools to recognise those building blocks and apply them for yourself.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate and apply an understanding of different stage and screen narratives, structures, and genres;
- exercise critical thinking and judgement in developing their own scripts, tailoring work to a particular medium;
- write dialogue and scenes with a clear structure incorporating character, action, and ideas;
- demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between text and performance and script and production; and
- apply a critical analysis to their own work and the work of others.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1: Script Exercise 1 and Exegesis | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 1250 |
| Assessment 3: Major Script and Exegesis | Yes | 45% | All offerings | No. Words: 2500 |
| Assessment 4 (On Campus): Workshop Tasks | Yes | 15% | Trimester 2, On Campus, Armidale Campus | No. Words: 1000 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 4 (Online): Structured Forum Tasks | Yes | 15% | Trimester 2, Online | No. Words: 1000 (equivalent) |
| Assessnent 2: Script Exercise 2 and Exegesis | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 1250 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
THEA321/521 Collected Readings
Theatre Studies Staff (eds), School of HASS, UNE
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Playwriting: Structure, Character, How and What to Write
ISBN: 9781848427907
Jeffreys, S., Nick Hern Books 2019
Text refers to: All offerings
Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting
ISBN: 9780385339032
Field, S., Delta Revised 2005
Text refers to: All offerings
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