Module: CWR4103-20 Introduction to Scriptwriting

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Robin Mukherjee

Module Tutor Contact Details: r.mukherjee@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

The module will introduce you to the essential skills of writing for performance. Various media will be explored, including screen, audio drama, theatre, and the spoken word. You will examine the powers and limitations of each, enabling you to craft your stories according to the appropriate form. The method is creative and exploratory. Through practice, workshopping and discussion, you will engage with the scriptwriter’s art to develop a practical understanding of the relationship between page and production.

You will view and analyse films, television, radio and theatre scripts. You will dig into examples of each to discover their inner workings, and you will apply your discoveries to writing exercises and discussion. You will also develop the steps towards a more complete piece. A collection of creative exercises, along with an excerpt from the longer work will comprise the creative portfolio assignment. The development of your critical and analytical skills will be evidenced in an essay exploring the work of a particular scriptwriter/film-maker whose method has inspired you.

This module will be a step towards the specialist modules in scriptwriting for theatre, television, radio and film at L5 and L6.

2. Outline syllabus:

The module will use a mixture of lectures, seminars, screenings, demonstrations, and informal drama workshops. Out of these workshops, each student will develop a number of writing exercises and a script.

3. Teaching and learning activities:

Lectures, seminars, workshops.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Essay (2000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Creative Folder (2000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%