Undergraduate Course: Writing for Theatre: An Introduction (ENLI10342)
Course Outline
| School | School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures |
College | College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Course type | Standard |
Availability | Available to all students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Credits | 20 |
| Home subject area | English Literature |
Other subject area | None |
| Course website |
None |
Taught in Gaelic? | No |
| Course description | This course aims by seminar and workshop to introduce students to theoretical, historical and practical issues involved in the writing of plays. Issues to be addressed include: character and action; dialogue; plot and structure; theatre semiotics; the transition from page to stage. It will also offer students a chance to practice drafting and redrafting their work, to give and receive feedback on their writing from their peers, and to engage in production analysis. |
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
Students MUST have passed:
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
| Additional Costs | Essential course texts; Tickets for performance x2 |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | A MINIMUM of three college/university level literature courses at grade B or above (should include no more than one introductory level literature course). Related courses such as civilisation or creative writing are not considered for admissions to this course. Applicants should also note that, as with other popular courses, meeting the minimum does NOT guarantee admission. In making admissions decisions preference will be given to students who achieve above the minimum requirement with the typical visiting student admitted to this course having three to four literature classes at grade A.
** as numbers are limited, visiting students should contact the Visiting Student Section directly for admission to this course ** |
| Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? | Yes |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Delivery period: 2012/13 Semester 1, Available to all students (SV1)
|
WebCT enabled: Yes |
Quota: 15 |
| Location |
Activity |
Description |
Weeks |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
| Central | Seminar | | 1-11 | | | 11:10 - 13:00 | | |
| First Class |
First class information not currently available |
| No Exam Information |
|
| Delivery period: 2012/13 Semester 1, Part-year visiting students only (VV1)
|
WebCT enabled: No |
Quota: 3 |
| Location |
Activity |
Description |
Weeks |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
| Central | Seminar | | 1-11 | | | 11:10 - 13:00 | | |
| First Class |
First class information not currently available |
| No Exam Information |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will have:
1.gained an insight into the fundamentals of writing for theatre.
2.been introduced to writing the short play form, a basic calling card for theatre companies in the UK.
3.been introduced to the theories of sign systems at work within a theatre text and performance and be able to analyze a performance according to these theories.
4.had critical feedback and development on their work led by a professional playwright and director actively working in the industry.
5.increased skills in both theatre criticism and dramaturgy.
|
Assessment Information
A 2,500 word critical analysis of a recent professional production (25%)
A short play of 20-30 minutes running time (75%) |
Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
WEEK 1: Introduction. Theatre in Four Dimensions $ú workshop/ seminar
WEEK 2: Character and Action. &«Ramallah&ª by David Greig, &«Snuff&ª by Davey Anderson
WEEK 3: From page to stage: using the sign systems of theatre $ú &«Theatre as Sign-System&ª by Astona and Savona
WEEK 4: Virtual World: space and time. &«Distracted&ª by Morna Pearson, &«The Price of a Fish Supper&ª by Catherine Czerkawska
WEEK 5: Dialogue. &«Harm&ª by Douglas Maxwell, &«The Basement Flat&ª by Rona Munro
WEEK 6: Plot and Structure. &«Better Days, Better Knights&ª by Stanley Eveling, &«The Importance of Being Alfred&ª by Louise Welsh
WEEK 7: WORKSHOP $ú 3 plays
WEEK 8: Production analysis week
WEEK 9: WORKSHOP $ú 3 plays
WEEK 10: WORKSHOP $ú 3 plays
WEEK 11: WORKSHOP $ú 3 plays
|
| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Scottish Shorts, selected and introduced by Philip Howard, Nick Hern Books (5 Aug 2010)
Aston, Elaine & Savona, George. Theatre as Sign-System: a Semiotics of Text and Performance, Routledge, (Nov 1991)
Elam, Keir. The Semiotics of Theatre and Drama, Routledge (June 2002)
Shakespeare, William. The Complete Works , various editions
Sophocles, Oedipus, various editions
Carter, David. How to Write a Play (Teach Yourself Educational), Teach Yourself Books 1998
Edgar, David. How Plays Work: A Practical Guide to Playwriting, Nick Hern Books (June 2009)
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| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords | Theatre Creative Writing Playwriting |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Ms Nicola Mccartney
Tel: (0131 6)50 3629
Email: |
Course secretary | Ms June Haigh
Tel: (0131 6)50 3612
Email: |
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