ECU Web Unit Outline
 
FACULTY OF EDUCATION & ARTS
SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATIONS AND ARTS
Full Unit Outline - Enrolment Approved Thursday, 12 May 2011
Disclaimer
This unit outline may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.
 
UNIT TITLE Scriptwriting: Short Films
UNIT CODE FAV2102
CREDIT POINTS 15
FULL YEAR UNIT No
MODE OF DELIVERY On-campus
DESCRIPTION

This unit provides an introduction to scriptwriting for radio, television and film and includes scripting short drama and documentary programmes.
 
LEARNING OUTCOMES

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. recognise the distinctive characteristics of film, television and radio and how these influence script organisation and preparation;
  2. discuss the role of the scriptwriter and other personnel in the production of films, radio and television programmes;
  3. demonstrate research skills and an understanding of their importance in the preparation of documentary programmes;
  4. analyse the elements of dramatic writing, particularly the development of plot and character; and
  5. produce scripts for a short drama or documentary for film, radio or television.
 
UNIT CONTENT
  1. Analysis and discussion of a variety of programmes with emphasis on the conventions of the mass media and how these function to influence the planning and writing of scripts.
  2. Exercises in preparing factual scripts requiring research using primary and secondary sources for radio, film or television production.
  3. Exercises in the elements of dramatic writing - dialogue, character plot and visual storytelling.
  4. Development through various stages of a script for a short drama or documentary for film, radio or television.
 
TEACHING AND LEARNING PROCESSES
Lectures
Tutorials
Workshops
 
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES

The following graduate attributes will be developed in this unit: 

  • Ability to communicate
  • Ability to work in teams
  • Critical appraisal skills
  • Ability to generate ideas
  • Cross-cultural and international outlook

 
 
ASSESSMENT
Grading Schema 1
 
Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.
 

Item

On-Campus Assessment

Value

  

Creative Work

Script

30%

Workshop

Exercises

30%

Assignment

Short Film and Exegesis

40%

 
TEXTS
Cowgill, L. J. (2005). Writing short films: Structure and content for screenwriters (2nd ed.). New York: Watson-Guptill Publications.
 
SIGNIFICANT REFERENCES
Ash, W. (1985). The way to write radio drama. London U.K.: Elm Tree Books, Hamish Hamilton.
Ballon, R. F. (2004). Blueprint for screenwriting: A complete writer's guide to story structure and character development. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
Bernard, S. C. (2003). Documentary storytelling for video and filmmakers. Amsterdam: Elsevier Focal Press.
Cooper, P., & Dancyger, K. (2000). Writing the short film. Boston: Focal Press.
Dancyer, K. (1992). Broadcast writing: Dramas, comedies and documentaries. London: Focal Press.
Eisenstein, S. (1988). On the composition of the short fiction scenario. London: Methuen.
Johnson, Claudia, H. (2005). Crafting short screenplays that connect [electronic resource]. Burlington: Elsevier.
Richards, K. (1991). Writing radio drama. Sydney: Currency Press.
Sykes, A. (Ed.). (1975). Nightmares of the old obscenity master (5 Plays for Radio). Sydney: Currency Methuen Drama.
SCRIPTS:
Vorhaus, J. (1994). The comic toolbox: How to be funny even when you're not. Sydney: Allen and Unwin.
Atherton, G. (1992). Mother and son. Sydney: ABC Books.
Jolley, E. (1995). Radio plays Victoria: Penguin.
Cleese, J., & Booth, C. The complete Fawlty Towers. London: BBC.
Evans, T. (Ed.). Radio quartet. Fremantle: Fremantle Arts Centre Press.
Milligan, S. (1973). The Goon Show scripts. London: Sphere Books.
 
 
 
Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)
For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes, Graduate Attributes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Student Equity, Diversity and Disability Service website:
http://intranet.ecu.edu.au/student/support/student-equity
 
 


Academic Misconduct


Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students’ work.

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.


The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.
ECU Web Unit Outline