Chabot College
Fall 2010
Course Outline for Theater Arts 16
DRAMATIC WRITING I
Catalog Description:
16 -- Dramatic Writing I
May be repeated 3 times
3 units
Introduction to the basic principles of dramatic writing, including writing for theater, film, television,
and for electronic media. Discussion and development of original material, resulting in the
completion of a working script. 3 hours.
[Typical contact hours: 52.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
orally interpret both published and original plays;
analyze scripts in terms of character, plot, language, structure, main ideas/themes;
develop strategies for enhancing individual creative processes;
use creative writing exercises to develop personal voice;
analyze various forms of dramatic writing, including film/TV, radio, screenwriting and
playwriting;
6. complete a working script;
7. compare and contrast between dramatic forms.
Course Content:
1. Oral interpretation of published and original plays
2. Analysis of dramatic writing with respect to:
a. Character
b. Plot
c. Language
d. Structure
e. Main ideas/themes
3. Strategies to support individual creative processes
4. Personal voice through creative writing exercises
5. Forms of dramatic writing:
a. Genres
b. Film/TV
c. Radio
d. Screenwriting
e. Playwriting
6. Elements of a working script
7. Differences and similarities among dramatic forms
Chabot College
Course Outline for Theater Arts 16, Page 2
Fall 2010
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Live coaching of scenes and monologues in progress
Demonstration
Lecture/discussion
Film, video, and/or audio-taped examples of scenes
Assignments and Methods for Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments:
a. Write a narrative (treatment) of an original script idea (2-5 pages)
b. Bring in samples of dialogue from original scripts
c. Share entire script with class
d. Re-write script and share with class
e. Participate in free-writes
f. Complete dialogue exercises, converting prose to dialogue
g. Document the sensual inventory of material
h. Write critiques of others’ work
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
a. Assignments
b. Attendance
c. Written evaluation of students’ scripts
d. Final examination
Textbooks:
Backwards and Forwards – A technical manual for reading plays; Ball, David: Southern Illinois University
Press, 2005
Special Student Materials:
None
RLP g:\Curriculum2005\TheaterArts16
Revised: kk 11/19/04, 11/21/09 cp