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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Screenwriting
Reference	CB4044	Version	2
Created	February 2024	SCQF Level	SCQF 10
Approved	April 2023	SCQF Points	15
Amended	April 2024	ECTS Points	7.5

Aims of Module
The module aims to formalise student's understanding of storytelling and screenwriting conventions through the production, evaluation, and presentation, of a short narrative screenplay with accompanying creative pitch portfolio.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1	Recognise dramatic conventions within the discipline of narrative screenwriting.
2	Demonstrate synthesis of storytelling conventions and screenwriting principles.
3	Apply understanding and experience of the creation of an original narrative screenplay.
4	Analyse, evaluate and acknowledge constructive criticism through engagement with peer review activities.
5	Confidently communicate creative concepts to others through the creation of a film pitch portfolio.

Indicative Module Content
This module will expand on student’s previous experience of the scriptwriting process through a thorough exploration of traditional storytelling elements such as narrative structure, dramatic conventions, and character development alongside discussion and development of the creative process. This will be contextualised through the development of a short film script (formatted using industry standard tools) and associated processes (such as lined scripts, script revisions, script breakdowns, and storyboards) Formative appraisal and evaluation will be undertaken in peer-led script development workshops. Students will work on a pitch portfolio which will include presentation techniques and elements such as a ‘pitch deck’. Topics covered include: narrative structures and storytelling conventions, character development, writing convincing dialogue (visual externalisation of thoughts), scriptwriting and formatting tools, Pitch Decks, loglines, treatments, and proposals. In a growing industry this module aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. The module aims to develop key creative writing skills that have become in demand due to a rise in content consumption. For the assessment, the students will produce a screenplay, a pitch deck proposal and have peers review and critique the work - this aligns itself with UNESCO Competencies such as, Collaboration, Self-Awareness and Strategic.

Indicative Module Content

This module will expand on student’s previous experience of the scriptwriting process through a thorough exploration of traditional storytelling elements such as narrative structure, dramatic conventions, and character development alongside discussion and development of the creative process. This will be contextualised through the development of a short film script (formatted using industry standard tools) and associated processes (such as lined scripts, script revisions, script breakdowns, and storyboards) Formative appraisal and evaluation will be undertaken in peer-led script development workshops. Students will work on a pitch portfolio which will include presentation techniques and elements such as a ‘pitch deck’. Topics covered include: narrative structures and storytelling conventions, character development, writing convincing dialogue (visual externalisation of thoughts), scriptwriting and formatting tools, Pitch Decks, loglines, treatments, and proposals. In a growing industry this module aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. The module aims to develop key creative writing skills that have become in demand due to a rise in content consumption. For the assessment, the students will produce a screenplay, a pitch deck proposal and have peers review and critique the work - this aligns itself with UNESCO Competencies such as, Collaboration, Self-Awareness and Strategic.

Module Delivery
This module will initially combine lectures concentrating on creative conceptualisation, narrative structure and storytelling conventions, alongside practical scriptwriting, and peer-review seminars. Seminars will be learner-led, with students working alongside peers, and tutors, to conceive, draft and revise individual artefacts, while engaging in critical evaluation of their work and the work of others. Later lessons will shift focus to the development of marketing material for a ‘film pitch’ with workshops emphasising production and evaluation of the pitch portfolio.

Module Delivery

This module will initially combine lectures concentrating on creative conceptualisation, narrative structure and storytelling conventions, alongside practical scriptwriting, and peer-review seminars. Seminars will be learner-led, with students working alongside peers, and tutors, to conceive, draft and revise individual artefacts, while engaging in critical evaluation of their work and the work of others. Later lessons will shift focus to the development of marketing material for a ‘film pitch’ with workshops emphasising production and evaluation of the pitch portfolio.

Indicative Student Workload	Full Time	Part Time
Contact Hours	36	N/A
Non-Contact Hours	114	N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours	N/A	N/A
TOTAL	150	N/A
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type:	Coursework	Weighting:	100%	Outcomes Assessed:	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Description:	Portfolio assessment comprising a short film script and a marketing presentation.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
The calculation of the overall grade for this module is based on 100% weighting of C1. An overall minimum grade D is required to pass the module.
Module Grade	Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A	The student needs to achieve an A in C1.
B	The student needs to achieve a B in C1.
C	The student needs to achieve a C in C1.
D	The student needs to achieve a D in C1.
E	The student needs to achieve an E in C1.
F	The student needs to achieve an F in C1
NS	Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module	None.
Corequisites for module	None.
Precluded Modules	None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1	BANG, J., 2022. Script Analysis: Deconstructing screenplay fundamentals. Oxford: Taylor and Francis
2	FIELD, S., 2005. Screenplay: The foundations of screenwriting. New York: Delta
3	MCKEE, R., 1999. Story: substance, structure, style, and the principles of screenwriting. London: Methuen
4	RABIGER, M., 2016. Developing Story Ideas: the power and purpose and storytelling. New York: Routledge
5	ROBERTS, R., 2011. Celtx: Open Source Screenwriting: Beginner's Guide: Write and market Hollywood-perfect movie scripts the free way!. Birmingham: Packt Publishing Ltd
6	YORKE, J., 2014. Into the woods: how stories work and why we tell them. London: Penguin

Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen

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