College of San Mateo
Course Outline
New Course
Update/No change
Course Revision (Minor)
Course Revision (Major)
Date: 10/08
Department:
Film
Number: 153
Course Title:
Screenwriting
Units:
Total Semester Hours: Lecture: 48
3
Lab:
Length of Course
Letter
)
Open entry/Open exit
1.
By Arrangement:
Grading
Semester-long
Short course (Number of weeks
Homework: 96
Pass/No Pass
Grade Option (letter or Pass/No Pass)
Prerequisite (Attach Enrollment Limitation Validation Form.)
none.
2.
Corequisite (Attach Enrollment Limitation Validation Form.)
none.
3.
Recommended Preparation (Attach Enrollment Validation Form.)
none.
4.
Catalog Description (Include prerequisites/corequisites/recommended preparation.)
Study of the craft of writing screenplays with instruction and practice in devising film ideas,
developing a film premise, structuring film stories, preparing character biographies, developing
scenes, creating dialogue, and preparing a professional film script. Minimum of 48 lecture hours
per term.
5.
Class Schedule Description (Include prerequisites/corequisites/recommended preparation.)
Same as above.
6.
Student Learning Outcomes (Identify 1-6 expected learner outcomes using active verbs.)
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
demonstrate ability to use the written conventions of scriptwriting
identify the major components of a well-conceived script
demonstrate familiarity with scriptwriting vocabulary
articulate the relationship between script and visualization
3/24/08
Course Outline
Page 1 of 2
7.
Course Objectives (Identify specific teaching objectives detailing course content and activities.
For some courses, the course objectives will be the same as the student learning outcomes. If
this is the case, please simply indicate this in this section).
Same as above.
8.
Course Content (Brief but complete topical outline of the course that includes major subject
areas [1-2 pages]. Should reflect all course objectives listed above. In addition, you may attach
a sample course syllabus with a timeline.)
This course is designed to be an introduction to the art and craft of screenwriting. Through the
study of various screenplays, and the films made from them, the course analyzes the basics of
film storytelling. Through student writing projects and workshops, the course explores the
significance of narrative, dramatic structure, character and theme. The course also focuses on
what makes writing for cinema unique. The specific goals of the course are the following: to
learn the different technical aspects of screenwriting for cinema; to complete a short screenplay,
or the first 30 pages of a feature film screenplay; to develop a deeper understanding of how a
script's text and subtext contribute to the various meanings of a film. Please see sample syllabus,
attached.
9.
Representative Instructional Methods (Describe instructor-initiated teaching strategies that
will assist students in meeting course objectives. Include examples of out-of-class assignments,
required reading and writing assignments, and methods for teaching critical thinking skills.)
If hours by arrangement are required by this course, indicate the additional instructional
activity which will be provided during this time.
Lectures, screenings, discussion; group writing workshops; assigned readings and screenings
outside of class; video-feedback, live acting, improvisation, adjustment, discussion; close in-class
readings and discussion of published screenplays, etc.
10.
Representative Methods of Evaluation (Describe measurement of student progress toward
course objectives. Courses with required writing component and/or problem-solving emphasis
must reflect critical thinking component. If skills class, then applied skills.)
Various writing assignments, reflecting all stages of screenplay writing, are due each week, for
workshop discussion and instructor evaluation, culiminating in final screenplay project, evaluated
by instructor.
11.
Representative Text Materials (With few exceptions, texts need to be current. Include
publication dates.)
The Screenwriter Within, D.G. Gilles (Three Rivers Press, 2000)
The Art of Dramatic Writing, Lajos Egri (Simon & Schuster Press, 2008)
Elements of Style for Screenwriters, Paul Argentini (Lone Eagle Press, 1998)
Prepared by:
Email address:
(Signature)
Laderman@smccd.edu
Submission Date:
3/24/08
Course Outline
Page 2 of 2