Keele Badge

FIL-20029 - Module Specification
School of Humanities
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 12 May 2024

FIL-20029 - Screenwriting: Principles and Practices
Coordinator: Neil Archer Tel: +44 1782 7 33202
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733147

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

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 yet to be realised, 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.

Aims
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: 1,2
Recognise professional-standard expectations for the production of screenwriting proposals
: 2
Identify and reflect upon 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: 2

Study hours

Workshop 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 = 40 hours
Independent Preparation of second assessment: Portfolio = 60 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Case Study weighted 40%
Analysis of screenwriting practice
Students will prepare a 1000-word analysis of a screenplay of their choice. Their analysis will focus on the structural and formal properties of the screenplay, identifying how they see the film in relation to the existing theories of screenwriting practice studied on the course. Students will demonstrate awareness of this relevant screenwriting theory in support of their analyses

2: Portfolio weighted 60%
Treatment and scene portfolio
Students will individually prepare a Treatment (plan) for a proposed feature-length screenplay, plus samples of a short scene (1500 words total). They will also submit a commentary (500 words) explaining their creative choices in relation to existing screenwriting theory. Students will have the opportunity to work on these and receive peer and tutor feedback during the module. The portfolio will be assessed on the quality and presentation of its work, and how it shows an informed and critical awareness of screenwriting practices.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 12 May 2024