Document Type
Syllabus
Publication Date
Fall 9-1-2024
Course Description
This course focuses on the full process of feature film screenwriting. In three sequential units, students will conceptualize, develop, and begin writing an original feature film. In Unit I, Premise & Characters, we work on generating ideas and shaping them into premises; presenting compelling loglines to clearly communicate the core identity of our films; and building strong, fully imagined characters who can be relied upon during plotting. In Unit II, Structure & Plot, we work on transforming a general idea into a specific structure; elaborating our structure with concrete beats, and crafting a narratively complete outline of our film that can be relied upon during writing. In Unit III, Scene & Dialogue, we tackle the line-by-line work of screenwriting. We focus on crafting dynamic scenes, engaging dialogue, and precise action lines. We develop our ability to communicate complex ideas and character interiority through concrete visual details. During the semester, students will produce two polished, revised deliverables: a complete beat sheet or outline detailing the plot their film and a minimum of twenty screenplay pages.
Recommended Citation
Sjol, Jordan, "FLME 322A Screenwriting Sjol Fall 2024" (2024). All Course Syllabi. 699, Scholarly and Creative Work from DePauw University.
https://scholarship.depauw.edu/records_syllabi/699
Student Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to… ⁃ Understand industry standards and expectations relevant to feature film screenwriting, including screenplay formatting and writing conventions, ⁃ Analyze films, screenplays, and pitch materials to isolate successful conceptualization and writing strategies, ⁃ Evaluate peer work in a critique setting to offer precise, well-reasoned, and generative feedback, ⁃ Incorporate feedback during revisions, sharpening their own material on the basis of the insights of their peers, and ⁃ Create feature film premises, outlines, and screenplay pages that effectively deliver on an original vision.