ClassInfo

DC 201 Introduction to Screenwriting

Patrick Wimp

Spring 2016-2017
Class number: 33461
Section number: 910
-
Online Campus

Summary

This course is an introduction to and overview of the elements of theme, plot, character, and dialogue in dramatic writing for cinema. Emphasis is placed on telling a story in terms of action and the reality of characters. The difference between the literary and visual medium is explored through individual writing projects and group analysis. Development of synopsis and treatment for a short theatrical screen play: theme, plot, character, mise-en-scene and utilization of cinematic elements.



Texts

"Screenplay" by Syd Field
"Save the Cat" by Blake Snyder


Grading

Attendance/Participation: 10%
- Logline assignment: 10%
- Step Outlines: 10%
- Critical Analysis: 10%
- Screenplay Draft 1: 10%
- Screenplay Draft 2: 10%
- Screenplay Draft 3: 20%



Prerequisites

None.


Arts and Literature Domain

DC 201 - Introduction to Screenwriting is included in the Liberal Studies program as a course with credit in the Arts and Literature domain. Courses in the Arts and Literature domain ask students to extend their knowledge and experience of the arts by developing their critical and reflective abilities. In these courses, students interpret and analyze particular creative works, investigate the relations of form and meaning and through critical and/or creative activity to come to experience art with greater openness, insight, and enjoyment. These courses focus on works of literature, art, theatre, or music as such, though the process of analysis may also include social and cultural issues. Students who take course in this domain choose three courses from such choices as literature, the visual arts, media arts, music, and theater. No more than two courses can be chosen from one department or program.

Learning Outcomes
1. Students will be able to explain, in well-written prose, what a work of art is about and/or how it was produced.
2. Students will be able to comment on the relationship between form and content in a work.
3. Students will be able to assess the formal aspects of their subject and put those qualities into words, using, when appropriate, specialized vocabulary employed in class and readings.
4. Students will be able to contextualize a work of art. They will be able to do so with respect to other works of art in terms of defining its place within a broader style or genre. They will also be able to contextualize a work of art in terms of contemporaneous aesthetic, social, or political concerns, discussing how these might shape the work's reception and how that reception might differ amongst various peoples and historical periods.

How Learning Outcomes Will Be Met

Through a series of lectures and discussions students will be introduced to the formal art of screenwriting. They will apply their knowledge in the crafting of a short screenplay that will be workshopped over the course of the term as well as a critical analysis of a script in its translation to the content of the on screen theatrical release.



Writing Expectations:

Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 20 pages of writing for this course.

How Writing Expectations Will Be Met

1. Students will be responsible for the creation of a short, 15 page screenplay.
2. Students will write a 3 to 5 page critical analysis of a script in comparision to the final film released in theaters.


Course Objectives

By the end of the term students will:


demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of effective storytelling.

demonstrate an understanding of the three act screenplay structure.

write a complete short screenplay focusing on developing characters and creating tension.


WEEK 1
Course Introduction
Basic Screenplay Structure
READ: Syd Field Ch.1 and Ch. 2, Blake Snyder Ch. 1

WEEK 2
Title, Premise and Logline
Logline Assignment
READ: Blake Snyder Ch. 3

Character
READ: Syd Field Ch. 4, 5 WEEK 3
Character Arc, Growth and Development
Character Development Assignment
READ: Syd Field Ch. 6, 7

Three Act Structure (Pt. 1)
READ: Syd Field CH. 8, 9, Blake Snyder Ch. 4
Midterm Study Guide Assigned WEEK 4
Screenplay Structure (Pt. 2)
Screenplay Format and Step Outlines
Begin Step Outline and First Draft
READ: Blake Snyder Ch. 5

Plot Points, Beats and Scene Design
READ: Syd Field Ch. 9-13
WEEK 5
Scene, Sequence, Act

Midterm
Step Outline Due WEEK 6
Individual Screenplay Meetings

Begin First Revision for Draft II
READ: Blake Snyder Ch. 2 WEEK 7
Dialogue Writing
Screenplay Analysis Assignment

Genre Writing WEEK 8
Alternative Screenplay Structures
READ: Blake Snyder Ch. 7

Draft II Due WEEK 9
Individual Script Meetings - Draft 2 WEEK 10
In-class Table Reads

Script to Screen Clips and Examples

Final Draft Due during exam week

School policies:

Changes to Syllabus

This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.

Online Course Evaluations

Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation. Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.

All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.

Academic Policies

All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.

Students with Disabilities

Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296