Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CA 338W D100

Writing for Film (3)

Class Number: 4267

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    36 units in CA courses.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Students will explore and apply a range of writing processes for film. Through writing, critique, and revision, students will create text(s) that can form the basis of a future film project. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

This advanced writing course focuses on screenwriting and is designed to develop and refine students’ skills through a combination of theoretical study and practical application. The course is structured in two parts. The first part focuses on exploring various approaches to screenplay structure and analysis through readings, discussions, exercises, and targeted assignments. Students will engage in critical analysis of existing screenplays while applying learned concepts to their own work. In the second part, each student will write and revise an original screenplay for a short film as their primary project. These screenplays will be read aloud and critiqued in class, with students also writing brief analyses of each other's work. Throughout the course, students will develop a deep understanding of screenwriting techniques, hone their ability to give and receive constructive feedback, refine their personal voice and style, and gain practical experience in the iterative process of writing and revision. By emphasizing both individual creativity and collaborative learning, this course prepares students for the collaborative nature of the filmmaking process while fostering their unique creative vision.

Grading

  • Screenplay treatment 5%
  • Film/Screenplay analyses and presentations 15%
  • First draft 20%
  • In-class reading and discussion of first draft 10%
  • Structured feedback on two first drafts 10%
  • Second draft 20%
  • Attendance & Participation 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:


Required readings will be made available on Canvas as online PDFs.

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.