ClassInfo

DC 201 Introduction to Screenwriting

Jennifer Ellison

Spring 2018-2019
Class number: 30123
Section number: 610
-
ONLIN E0000 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 a synopsis and treatment for a short theatrical screenplay: theme, plot, character, mise-en-scene and utilization of cinematic elements.



Texts

Tools of Screenwriting by David Howard and Edward Mabley [ISBN-10: 0312119089]
The Hollywood Standard by Christopher Riley [ISBN-10: 1932907637]

Additional required readings will be provided via D2L in PDF format.


Grading

A=93-100%, A- =90-92%, B+ =87-89%, B =84-86%, B- =80-83%, C+ =77-79%,
C =74-76%, C- =70-73%, D+ =67-69, D =60-66%


Course Outcomes/Learning Outcomes

Course Outcomes:
In addition to completing several writing assignments, students are expected to develop, outline, and write a short 8-12 page screenplay.

Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to
Employ standard screenplay format
Identify elements of scene craft, character development, and narrative structure
Demonstrate expanded visual writing skills
Apply a work-flow process to their creative writing
Produce original writing projects on a deadline
Pitch an original writing project
Revise writing based on feedback from the professor and peers
Evaluate the work of peers and formulate constructive feedback


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