Maui Community College
Course Outline
1. Alpha and Number:
DRAM 280
Course Title:
Beginning Playwriting
Credits:
3
Date of Outline:
February 24, 2004
2. Course Description:
Introduces structure, guidelines, and format of
the one-act play, beginning with the conception
of an idea, followed by effective outlining
techniques, subsequent drafts, and the final
product in a polished one-act play.
3. Contact Hours/Type :
3 hour/Lecture-Lab
4. Prerequisites:
ENG 100 with at least a C, or consent.
Corequisites:
Recommended Preparation:
Approved by
Date
5. General Course Objectives:
Students will write, revise and rewrite theatre scenes, one-acts and longer length scripts
designed to be performed on stage. They will work both individually and collectively,
discussing, analyzing and critiquing both classical and modern theatre scripts and
performances. Each student will research and write a formal report on a modern playwright
of the instructor’s choosing.
6. Student Learning Outcomes:
For assessment purposes, these are linked to #7, Recommended Course Content.
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
a. write clear and concise critiques of various theatre scripts across a wide range of
genres, utilizing aristotle’s poetics as a the framework for evaluation;
b. demonstrate a clear understanding of the basic structure of the conventional twoact play;
c. work collaboratively on writing projects and presentations, both written and oral;
d. create an original set design for a script supplied by the instructor;
e. demonstrate a clear understanding of theatre language and how it applies to the craft of
playwriting;
f. revise, edit and rewrite an original theatre script.
7. Recommended Course Content and Approximate Time Spent on Each Topic:
Linked to #6, Student Learning Outcomes.
1-2 weeks:
Discuss foundations of the script writing process (b, e)
2-3 weeks:
Read, discuss and formally critique (written and oral) modern and
classical scripts (a, c, e)
1-2 weeks:
Plan, revise and edit treatment for original script (b, f)
1-2 weeks:
Compare and contrast, in writing, theatre scripts from various genres (a,
c, e)
2-3 weeks:
Write first draft of original script (c, f)
2-3 weeks:
Revise and edit first draft of original script (f)
2-3 weeks:
Polish second draft of original script (f)
1 week:
Present oral reports on assigned playwrights (c)
8. Text(s) and Materials:
Appropriate text(s) and materials will be chosen at the time the course is offered from those
currently available in the field. Examples include:
Text(s):
The Craft of Playwriting by Lajos Egri
Playwriting: Writing, Producing & Selling Your Play by Louis Catron
Materials:
Articles
Critiques
other relevant materials provided by the instructor
Others:
Guest speakers
field trips
Internet sites
filmed performances
pertinent video presentations
9. Recommended Course Requirements and Evaluation:
Specific course requirements are at the discretion of the instructor at the time the course is
being offered. Suggested requirements might include, but are not limited to:
50-60%
Writing assignments including portfolios with sketches
10-15%
Quizzes
25-30%
Presentations
15-20%
Attendance & participation
10. Methods of Instruction:
Instructional methods will vary considerably with instructors. Specific methods will be at the
discretion of the instructor teaching the course and might include, but are not limited to:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
instructor lectures;
guest lectures;
dyad/small group discussions;
audio, visual or computer presentations;
student presentations and activities, individual or group;
other learning experiences such as service, collaborative and experiential.