MAET-180 Intro to Screenwriting

Credits 4 / 4 Contact Hours
Pre-requisite: Placement into ACRD-090, ACRD-091 or ACRD-092, completion of ELAP-110 with a minimum grade of 2.0, or successful completion of ACRD-080; ENGL-101 with a minimum grade of 2.0.
This course focuses on the fundamental concepts of scriptwriting with emphasis placed on structure plot and character development theme dialogue and critical analysis. Hands-on classroom exercises include writing several short form scripts. Students will also examine real world applications such as script marketing making a pitch and copywriting their work.

Course Outcomes
1. Identify and describe the basic Three-Act Structure 2. Demonstrate the process of Script Re-Writing based upon peer and instructor feedback and analysis 3. Demonstrate, through written example, the process of Character and Location description 4. Demonstrate the process of writing both Narrative and Dialogue 5. Identify and describe the three primary purposes of Dialogue 6. Demonstrate the process of Critical Analysis by examining and reviewing both professional and peer work 7. Demonstrate the process of creating a unique Character Worksheet 8. Identify and describe key scriptwriting terms including; Theme, Message, Character, Antagonist, Protagonist, Conflict, Plot, Sub-Plot, Climax, etc. 9. Identify and describe the types of story conflict including but not limited to Character vs. Character, Character vs. Society, Character vs. Nature, Character vs. Fate, and Character vs. Self 10. Demonstrate the process of outlining a story by the creation of Scene Cards 11. Identify and describe the key components of a script including Storyline, Characters, Underlying Idea, Images, and Dialogue 12. Identify and describe several cinematic and episodic television genres 13. Identify and describe the differences between Copyright and WGA Registration 14. Demonstrate the process of “Pitching” a script before a live audience 15. Identify and describe key scriptwriting formatting terms including but not limited to Scene Headings, Character Headings, Dialogue, Parenthetical, Narrative, etc. 16. Demonstrate the process of formatting a “Cinema Style” single column script 17. Demonstrate the process of utilizing an electronic scriptwriting program 18. Understand the process of making a script production ready 19. Understand the process of adapting a story into a screenplay.