| CODE | MCS3250 | |||||||||
| TITLE | Scriptwriting | |||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course | |||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 6 | |||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | |||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Media and Communications | |||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Building on foundational scriptwriting principles introduced earlier in the programme, this follow-up study-unit is designed to enable students to further refine their professional scriptwriting skills across a variety of cinematic genres. The study-unit will explore the intricate balance between creative decisions, the use of transitions, and the editing mindset in scriptwriting, alongside considerations of ethical issues, financial constraints, and sustainability in filmmaking. Students will delve into advanced techniques in character development, narrative structure, pacing, and the nuanced use of symbolism, themes, and subtext. They will also have the opportunity to refine their scripts based on professional feedback, demonstrating their ability to navigate creative choices within external limitations. Sustainability principles, grounded in the EMAS framework, will continue to be emphasized, focusing on the practical integration of sustainable practices throughout the scriptwriting process. The study-unit will explore how environmental concerns can shape story development and how scriptwriters can actively contribute to green filmmaking, extending beyond the mere incorporation of eco-friendly values into narrative content. Study-Unit Aims: The aim of this study-unit is to teach students how to "do" scriptwriting, extending beyond theoretical understanding to practical application. Students will refine their scriptwriting skills across different genres, mastering advanced techniques in character development, structure, pacing, and thematic elements. They will learn to balance creative choices with practical constraints, adapting their work to ethical, financial, and production limitations while maintaining artistic integrity. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Differentiate their approach by employing advanced scriptwriting techniques across a range of production genres, such as feature films, TV series, and short films; - Apply advanced scriptwriting techniques to a range of cinematic genres, integrating the use of transitions and editing strategies to enrich storytelling; - Critically evaluate sustainable practices in the storytelling process, exploring themes such as resource efficiency, environmental responsibility, and green production principles; - Conceptualise and navigate the professional constraints of scriptwriting, including client feedback, budget limitations, and the demand for marketable content; - Deploy the right tools to develop a critical awareness of how scriptwriters can influence and respond to production demands, including negotiations around sustainability issues; - Critically discuss in the revision process, using peer and mentor feedback to strengthen the storytelling; - Administer their skills in crafting environmentally conscious narratives, ensuring that all script elements—from locations to props and production design—reflect sustainable principles. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Justify the application of skills in crafting narratives that meet professional scriptwriting standards; - Plan, design, and structure across various genres, ensuring narrative cohesion and engagement; - Employ and integrate transitions and editing strategies in the script; - Communicate story ideas effectively through dialogue, character development, and thematic exploration; - Participate actively in feedback and revision processes, integrating peer and mentor critiques to refine scripts; - Conduct scriptwriting that adheres to industry practices, including budget constraints, marketability, and client feedback; - Conduct scriptwriting in a manner that reflects ethical considerations and environmentally responsible storytelling. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Alison, J. (2014). Meander: The study of narrative structures. Oxford University Press. - McKee, R. (1997). Story: Substance, structure, style, and the principles of screenwriting. HarperCollins. - York, J. (2015). Into the woods: A five-act journey into story. Harry N. Abrams. Supplementary Readings: - Aronson, L. (2004). The 21st century screenplay: A comprehensive guide to writing tomorrow’s films. Silman-James Press. - Dancyger, K., Kent, J., & Rush, J. (2023). Alternative scriptwriting (6th ed.). Routledge. - Finney, A. (2022). The international film business: A market guide beyond Hollywood (3rd ed.). Routledge. - Neilan, C. (2012). Alternative storytelling techniques in film and television. Routledge. - Truby, J. (2022). Anatomy of genres. Picador Paper. - Selbo, J. (2017). Film genres: Theory and practice. Focal Press. |
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| RULES/CONDITIONS | Before TAKING THIS UNIT YOU MUST TAKE MCS3200 | |||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Tutorial | |||||||||
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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