Postgraduate Course: Writing for Theatre: An Introduction (Level 11) (ENLI11187)
Course Outline
| School | School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures |
College | College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Course type | Standard |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
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 |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
| Additional Costs | Essential course texts; Tickets for performance x2 |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Delivery period: 2012/13 Semester 1, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
|
Learn enabled: Yes |
Quota: 3 |
| Location |
Activity |
Description |
Weeks |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
| Central | Seminar | Room 1.18, David Hume Tower | 1-11 | | | 11:10 - 13:00 | | |
| First Class |
Week 1, Wednesday, 11:10 - 13:00, Zone: Central. Wednesday 19th September 2012, Room 1.18, David Hume Tower |
| 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.
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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
| PG version |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
WEEK 1: Introduction. Theatre in Four Dimensions ¿ workshop/ seminar
WEEK 2: Character and Action. ¿Ramallah¿ by David Greig, ¿Snuff¿ by Davey Anderson
WEEK 3: From page to stage: using the sign systems of theatre ¿ ¿Theatre as Sign-System¿ by Astona and Savona
WEEK 4: Virtual World: space and time. ¿Distracted¿ by Morna Pearson, ¿The Price of a Fish Supper¿ by Catherine Czerkawska
WEEK 5: Dialogue. ¿Harm¿ by Douglas Maxwell, ¿The Basement Flat¿ by Rona Munro
WEEK 6: Plot and Structure. ¿Better Days, Better Knights¿ by Stanley Eveling, ¿The Importance of Being Alfred¿ by Louise Welsh
WEEK 7: WORKSHOP ¿ 3 plays
WEEK 8: Production analysis week
WEEK 9: WORKSHOP ¿ 3 plays
WEEK 10: WORKSHOP ¿ 3 plays
WEEK 11: WORKSHOP ¿ 3 plays
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| 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 | WfT |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Ms Nicola Mccartney
Tel: (0131 6)50 3629
Email: nmccart1@exseed.ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Natalie Carthy
Tel: (0131 6)50 3030
Email: Natalie.Carthy@ed.ac.uk |
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© Copyright 2012 The University of Edinburgh - 31 August 2012 4:03 am
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