Students must complete Screenwriting I and Screenwriting II, plus any two additional summer dramatic writing courses to earn this certificate.
Screenwriting I
A screenwriting workshop required of all Dramatic Writing majors and also designed for new screenwriters. Students are required to complete 50-70 pages of a full-length screenplay with an outline of the rest. The first third of the course focuses on exercises to help students develop five story ideas with the complexity and depth to sustain a full-length screenplay. One of these ideas will serve as the basis for the required work. The reading and analysis of four to six screenplays is required in conjunction with the student’s original work. Students must come to the first class with three ideas for full-length screenplays. Each idea can be described in one or two paragraphs.
Session I (May 19-June 27)
H99.8003.001, 5:30-8:55 p.m., T Th
Session II * (June 30-August 8)
H99.8003.002, 5:30-9:05 p.m., M W
Cost: $2,400
* If you begin your certificate in Summer Session II, you need to continue with Screenwriting II in the summer of 2009.
Screenwriting II
The course covers the writing and completion of a full-length screenplay. Students must come to the first class with an outline or treatment for a full-length film. Certificate students will come with the outline and the first half of their written movie script. The instructor will ask all students to complete a first draft of a screenplay during the term, with particular emphasis on character and purpose and how this leads to conflict and the construction of plot.
Session II (June 30-August 8)
H99.8004.002, 5:30-8:35 p.m., M W
Cost: $2,400
Additional Courses To Complete Your Certificate
Please select two of the following courses to complete your certificate.
Session I
Playwriting I
A playwriting workshop required of all Dramatic Writing majors and designed for the beginning playwright. Students are required to complete 50-70 pages of a full-length stage play with an outline of the complete play. The first third of the course focuses on exercises to help students develop a story idea with the complexity and depth to sustain a full-length play. The reading and analysis of four to six dramatic texts is required in conjunction with the student’s original work. Students must come to the first class with two ideas for a full-length play. Each idea should be described in a one page summary.
Session I (May 19-June 27)
H99.8001.001, 5:30-9:05 p.m., M W
Cost: $2,400
Graphic Storytelling: Introduction to Comics Writing
A spin-off of the Dramatic Writing Program’s popular “Introduction to Animation Writing,” this writing workshop will examine comic books as a truly original American art form. The instructor – who has written professionally for over 8 years with distinguished runs at both Marvel and DC (Superman, X-Men, Justice League) – will introduce students to the scope of the comics medium, while developing a foundation of skills necessary to create comics and work in the field. The class will study story structure through examination of successful (and unsuccessful) comics across many genres, leading to an original script or series pitch. A strong focus on a reading list of Graphic Novels – as a way to explore “non-traditional” themes – will round out the course.
Session I (May 19-June 27)
H99.8006.001, 5:30-8:35 p.m., M W
Cost: $2,400
Session II
Writing the Half-Hour Comedy
This intensive scriptwriting class answers the question, “What do I need to break into TV writing?” The student will be guided through the step-by-step development of an episode for an ongoing TV sitcom, from premise line to one-page outline, to pages and revisions. The course requires the completion of a polished draft while introducing students to the rigors of professional standards through weekly story goals. The course is taught by a professional television writer.
Session II (June 30-August 8)
H99.8005.001, 5:30-8:20 p.m., T Th
Cost: $2,400
