FIL-30013 - Module Specification
School of Humanities
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

Screenwriting is a unique form of creative expression. Part literature in itself, part 'blueprint' for something else, the screenplay exists as a written form waiting to be transformed into images and sound. In this module, we consider how this process works, thinking about the key decisions and creative possibilities informing the screenwriting process. On the way to developing a fully-developed screenplay treatment and sample scenes, students on this module will analyse a variety of case studies from the history of film, and will become familiar with important theoretical approaches to screenplay construction. Students will work in consultation with their tutor and peers in productive group discussions, on the way to preparing a final piece of practical work.

This module aims to develop students' understanding of screenwriting practice, combining the analytical study of screenplay form with applied practical work. Students will study different approaches to screenwriting across a range of key case studies, and will develop their own skills alongside their screenwriting peers, and in consultation with the module tutor. Students will work towards the preparation of a fully developed screenplay outline and sample scenes.

Intended Learning Outcomes

evaluate successful and innovative instances of screenwriting throughout film history: 1,2
demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical bases for screenplay construction and for composing dialogue: 1,2
identify different approaches to screenplay form and structure across varied case studies: 1
work to a series of industry-standard practices - writing treatments, character studies, mandatory formatting, etc.: 1,2
prepare their own outline for a feature-length screen project and produce sample scenes: 1,2
identify relevant changes in the contemporary filmmaking contexts, and how these impact on screenplay form and production: 1,2
discuss and criticise productively in a group context: 1,2

Study hours

Seminars 12 x 2 hours = 24 hours
Individual consultation with tutor = 2 hours
Independent study: film viewing and reading for seminar = 24 hours
Independent Preparation of first assessment: Case Study = 30 hours
Independent Preparation of second assessment: Portfolio = 70 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment