Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - CA 238W D100

Screenwriting I (3)

Class Number: 6446

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

  • 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:

Students will explore and apply a range of writing processes for film. Through film screenings, readings and writing exercises, the course will focus on the creative process of writing for film. The classroom will operate as a creative writing incubator, where collaboration is expressed through weekly contributions of drafts and peer reviews that will respond to specific creative prompts and parameters. Through writing, critique, and revision, students will create text(s) that can form the basis of a future film project.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Present opportunities for development of an appreciation for the diverse forms of film practices that privilege independent artistic modes of creation
  • Offer exposure to a variety of approaches to write for a range of moving image works
  • Provide a space for experimentation with different strategies to generate texts intended to be translated to film works
  • Understand the creative value of iteration in the process of writing for film
  • Develop critical skills and confidence to analyse and provide peer review to texts intended to be translated to film

Grading

  • Writing Exercises 30%
  • First draft 20%
  • Second draft 30%
  • Engagement 20%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Students are required to bring writing tools to class: ideally both digital (laptop or tablet), and physical (notebook and pen, etc)

REQUIRED READING:

Students will be provided readings on a regular basis and will be asked to discuss in class and/or to provide reading reports.


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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.