Free Screenwriting Syllabus Template

Screenwriting Syllabus

Screenwriting Course

Course Title

[COURSE TITLE]

Course Code

[COURSE CODE]

Office Hours

[OFFICE HOURS]

Class Location

[CLASS LOCATION]

Class Time

[CLASS TIME]

Class Duration

[DATE] - [DATE]

1. Course Description

This course is designed for novice and experienced screenwriters, providing a thorough understanding of film and television screenwriting. We aim to explore character development, plot structure, engaging dialogue creation, and other key aspects of the screenwriting process.

2. Instructor Information

Instructor: [YOUR NAME]
Contact: [YOUR EMAIL]

3. Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamental concepts and formatting requirements in screenwriting

  • Learn to develop dimensional characters and engaging dialogue

  • Understand the components of story structure and plot development

  • Gain insight into various tools and techniques used by professional screenwriters

  • Create a short screenplay using the skills learned in the course

4. Course Schedule

Week

Topic

Assignment

1

Introduction to Screenwriting

Screenwriting Analysis

2

Character Development

Character Sketch

3

Plot Structure

Plot Outline

4

Writing Dialogue

Dialogue Exercise

5

Final Project: Short Screenplay

6

Advanced Character Development

Character Analysis

7

Advanced Plot Structure

Plot Development

8

Advanced Dialogue Techniques

Dialogue Workshop

9

Finalizing the Short Screenplay

10

Presentation and Feedback Session

Short Screenplay

5. Required Reading and Materials

  • "The Screenwriter's Bible" - David Trottier

  • "Writing Screenplays That Sell" - Michael Hauge

  • "Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting" - Robert McKee

  • "Inside Story: The Power of the Transformational Arc" - Dara Marks

  • Final Draft software

6. Assignments and Assessments

  • Screenwriting Analysis: Analyze a selected screenplay focusing on its narrative and structure

  • Character Sketch: Designing a character from scratch, exploring their motivations, background, and potential character arcs

  • Plot Outline: Craft a structured plot outline for a one-hour television pilot script

  • Dialogue Exercise: Write a scene that showcases a character's transformation through dialogue

  • Final Project: Write a short screenplay demonstrating your mastery of the skills learned during the course

7. Course Policy

  • Submission of assignments should strictly follow the indicated due dates

  • Every student is required to participate actively in class discussions

  • Expect professional behavior at all times, misconduct or plagiarism won't be tolerated.

  • Understanding course material requires crucial attendance, allowing up to 2 absences.

  • Please keep electronic devices on silent mode during class hours

8. Grading Policy

Component

Weightage

Assignments

60%

Class Participation

20%

Final Project

20%

Disclaimer

The provided course syllabus is a flexible structure, open to any necessary changes as per the instructor’s discretion. Students will be promptly notified about any such revisions to maintain awareness of the updated course plan. Thus, the syllabus caters to the evolving needs of the teaching-learning process.

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