FST/CRW 418 SCREENWRITING
COURSE SYLLABUS
SPRING 2014 - 418-001 Monday, 3:00-5:45, KE 1114
INSTRUCTOR: TERRY LINEHAN
INSTRUCTOR OFFICE HOURS: I am available before and after class, by
appointment, and during office hours: M 12:00-2:30, 106B King Hall. Phone: 962.2231.
linehant@uncw.edu
Required text: NONE
ONLINE READINGS
ALL WRITERS: Read the following, including all blue hyperlinks, by Week Two:
http://thescriptlab.com/screenwriting
Whether you plan on writing a Feature or an Hour-long Television script, you must read
two screenplays in your chosen genre. Due by Week Four.
FIND FEATURE AND TELEVISION SCRIPTS AT: http://www.simplyscripts.com
HOUR-LONG TELEVISION WRITERS: The following articles must be read by Week
Three:
http://www.movieoutline.com/articles/television-script-format.html
http://2012.scriptfrenzy.org/node/2000003
http://2012.scriptfrenzy.org/node/2000004 (READ DRAMA ONLY)
http://www.nwoscreenwriters.com/1/post/2013/07/screenwriting-how-to-1-hour-pilotstructure.html
FEATURE-LENGTH SCREENPLAY WRITERS: The following articles must be
read by Week Three:
http://thescriptlab.com/screenwriting-101/screenplay/five-plot-point-breakdowns
(Watch the video)
http://thescriptlab.com/screenwriting-101/screenplay/what-is-a-screenplay/1003-ten-stepsto-completing-your-screenplay
(Click on all blue hyperlinks on the main page at least)
Purpose: To immerse you in the fundamentals of writing the feature screenplay or the
hour-long television drama from concept to completed and revised first draft. Discussion
topics include: concepts, formatting, story structure, character development, conflict,
visible outer motivation, dramatic action, dialogue, scene and sequence, and writing for
emotional impact, among other things. You will develop your skills as a screenwriting
professional from daily writing, small peer group ctitiques, and in class workshopping.
STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1) Use language to cinematically convey character and narrative information.
2) Apply industry-standard screenplay formatting.
3) Demonstrate an understanding of narrative elements particular to the
feature-length film and hour-long television form.
When you leave this class you will:

Have a revised draft original feature-length screenplay of 45-50 pages or an hourlong television drama of 45-50 pages. Television spec scripts are permitted.

Understand how to write a script logline, treatment, and one-page synopsis.

Have read 2 scripts in your chosen genre.

Have a written treatment of 4-5 pages.

Discover what it takes to be a screenwriter through the daily writing of your
scripts.
The instructor’s role: I will present brief formalized lectures and lead discussions on the
craft of screenwriting. We will watch films and television shows to break down structure,
character, plot, subplot, theme, etc.
This is a class about screen WRITING. We will discuss our story concerns and critique
each other’s work through the workshopping process. I will offer honest feedback (the
only kind that helps). I will help you work to the best of your ability. You will also be
assigned to a group of 4 students who will serve as your writing partners to read, critique,
and help you in your revisions before presenting in class.
Attendance and participation: Because this is a student-centered course, your
attendance is MANDATORY. If you aren’t in class, you won’t maximize your
opportunity to grow as a screenwriter. I expect you to be alert and attentive while in class.
I expect cooperation and respect for each other and our work. You will be graded on
attendance and participation.
You are allowed ONE absence, legitimate or otherwise. After that, your grade will be
lowered at my discretion. It is your responsibility to get notes and assignments from
EACH OTHER, NOT ME, if you miss a class. I believe in starting and finishing on
time. Chronic tardiness and/or leaving early are also noted and will affect your overall
grade at my discretion.
EVALUATION: Screenplays will be graded according to narrative clarity, originality,
dramatic effectiveness, application of course materials, presentation (including
formatting), and effort. Remember: this is a writing course, and the technical aspects of
your writing (spelling, grammar, etc.) will be a significant factor in your grade.
THE WRITING CENTER is available to assist you with your writing needs at UNCW.
Call 962-7857 or email uls@uncw.edu to set up an appointment.
You will be graded according to the following criteria:
1. The quality of your 45-50 page screenplay. 70% (35% for each half)
2. The quality of your treatment. 10%
3. Attendance and participation. 20%
PLEASE NOTE: This is a very hands-on course. You should like writing and be selfmotivated in regards to writing. You will have deadlines and you will be responsible for
the proper presentation of materials. I will not accept hand written assignments. Your
grade will suffer for late and/or unprofessional looking assignments. Do not
procrastinate. If you can’t make this kind of commitment to yourself and the class, give
some thought to another more appropriate course for you.
A personal note: I am thrilled to be your instructor. I am energized by the classroom and
what you bring to it. I am passionate about writing and want you to have fun, work hard,
and learn. The goal here is to become the best screenwriters we can be. As we discuss
one another’s scripts we will do so delicately, and with the utmost respect for individual’s
feelings. There is an old adage: “If it hurts it helps.” Please know that critiquing of
writing is simply that - one person’s evaluation of the PAGE and NOT the person.
Accepting criticism is also a big part of the writing process. As writers we must seek to
improve our skills through outside evaluation of story.
WEEK BY WEEK COURSE OUTLINE
Please remain flexible regarding the following schedule.
Class # DATE
1 - January 13
Introductions. Syllabus and course objectives. Logline, treatment, synopsis. Review
screenplay structure. Discuss hour-long dramatic television structure.
Screening: “Breaking Bad” Episode 1
Homework: Reading for Week Two, Prepare 5-minute story concept pitch DUE:
Week 3
2 - January 27
Screening: Feature film TBD
Homework: Reading for Week Three
3 - February 3
DUE: 5-minute story concept pitches – Sign up for treatment presentations
Homework: Read two scripts in your genre
4 - February 10
DUE: Two scripts read
Treatment presentations – 15 minutes each X 7
7 students sign up for February 24th and March 10
5 - February 17
Treatment presentations – 15 minutes each X 10
10 students sign up beginning March 17, 24, 31
6 - February 24 – BEGIN FIRST HALF WORKSHOPPING
7 - March 10
8 - March 17
9 - March 24
10 - March 31
11 - April 7 - BEGIN SECOND HALF WORKSHOPPING
12 - April 14
13 - April 21
14 - April 28
FINAL EXAM DAY - TBA
IDEA evaluations completed.
QUICK GUIDE TO ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES:
February 3 – 5-minute story concept pitch.
February 10 – Treatment presentations
February 17 – Treatment presentations
February 24 – Begin first half workshopping
April 7 – Begin second half workshopping