Overview

Introduction to Playwriting allows’ the opportunity for students to explore the process of writing for performance. Focusing mainly on new writing for the stage, how does one develop the practice of constructing narrative, character development, structure analysis and drafting ideas into production? The writer’s relationship and collaboration with the director and actors will be explored as well as evaluating the key similarities and differences to screen writing.

Summary of course content:

• Introduction to the key techniques and methods used for writing for the stage

· Exploring the writers process from text into production

· Introducing a diverse range of writer’s processes

· Opportunity to investigate the learners own voice

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (D- to D+):Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows:1. Generally accurate but with omissions and errors.2. Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning.3. Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions.4. Draws on a relatively narrow range of material.

Satisfactory/Good (C- to C):Submitted work is competent with a demonstration of knowledge and understanding of the subject area present. 1. Demonstrates good structure and some logically developed arguments.2. Draws mostly on material that has been sourced and assessed from the module with some limited independent study.3. Assertions are backed by evidence and good reasoning.4. Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic and professional style present.

Good to Very Good (B- to B+):Submitted work is competent and very good throughout and may be distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials.1. Demonstrates good or very good structure and logically developed arguments.2. Draws at least in parts on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student.3. Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning.4. Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic and professional style.

Excellent (A- to A+):Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways:1. Has originality of exposition with the student’s own thinking being readily apparent.2. Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study.3. Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate familiarity with current methods evident in the work of innovative writers and productions.

• Develop and create dramatic texts employed in specific drama movements.

• Interpret background material and analyse dramatic texts

• Show awareness of the interplay between theory and practice within the area of scriptwriting and of the conceptual and creative processes that underpin the understanding and realization of performance.