Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2023 - CA 238W E100

Screenwriting I (3)

Class Number: 6508

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Wed, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    One of CA (or FPA) 136, 137 or 253 and prior approval.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course introduces the methodologies of writing for the screen in various styles, including dramatic, documentary and experimental forms, with an emphasis on structure and the creative expression of visual ideas. Students will perform a variety of writing assignments and each will be expected to complete one or more short original scripts. Students with credit for CA (or FPA) 332 or 238 for credit may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 238W may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course introduces students to the craft of screenwriting and its unique attributes compared to other forms of creative writing, with an emphasis on short films. Through lecture, screenings, discussion, and analysis of peer work, students will develop an understanding of the essential elements of story, narrative structure, and character. Through writing exercises and the development of a single short screenplay, students will cultivate a writing practise that will empower them to find words for their cinematic ideas. We will focus specifically on writing dramatic films, but lectures and screenings will also address various genres, documentary, and experimental forms depending on student interest.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

In this course, students will:

  • Emerge with a strong draft of a short screenplay for potential use in a production class.
  • Learn to write in a cinematic language appropriate for the screenplay format.
  • Learn how to use preliminary writing tools to organize initial creative ideas.
  • Learn how to crystalize a story idea into a narrative with structure, conflict, and characters.
  • Learn how to interpret feedback and integrate it into future revisions to make their work stronger.
  • Cultivate a critical eye through script analysis of peer work and completed short films.

Grading

  • Writing exercise 15%
  • Treatment for screenplay 15%
  • 1st draft of screenplay 25%
  • 2nd draft of screenplay 25%
  • Participation 20%

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Students will need to arrive to the first class with one or more ideas for a screenplay to develop in class.
  • Students will need to come to class every week with a writing implement of some kind (laptop, tablet, notebook and pen, etc).
  • Students will need regular access to a computer with screenwriting software.
  • Attendance and participation in classroom discussion is mandatory.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

In addition to a word processing software, students will require access to a screenwriting software. Free versions that I recommend are Highland 2 and Celtx

REQUIRED READING:

The Short Screenplay – Your Short Film from Concept to Production, by Dan Gurskis, Course Technology, Cengage Learning, 2007
ISBN: 978-1598633382

RECOMMENDED READING:

  • The Anatomy of Story - 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller, by John Truby, Farra, Straus and Giroux, Reprint Edition 2008.
  • Story, by Robert McKee, Harper Collins, 1997.
  • Screenplay, by Syd Field, Bantam Dell, Revised Edition, 2005.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html