ENG 203 - Creative Writing: Writing for the Stage and Screen Workshop

3 credit hours - Three hours weekly; one term.
Analyze successful stage plays and screenplays with an eye toward original composition. Discover how to tell gripping stories and learn the fundamental principles and techniques of shaping those stories for the stage and for the screen. Explore ways of building compelling characters, writing effective and memorable dialogue, and structuring dramatic and cinematic acts and scenes. Share writing during workshop sessions in order to hone drafts, develop critical thinking skills and refine individual style.

Prerequisite(s): ART 180 or ENG 200 or THA 125 or permission of the department chair.

Crosslisted: Also offered as ART 218 ; credit is not given for both ENG 203 and ART 218 .

Note: Typically offered at MC and OL; fall and spring terms.

Course Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Analyze work written by established and contemporary playwrights and screenwriters and recognize themes and techniques.
Write competent and original plays and screenplays.
Use a range of stage terms and techniques to discuss their own plays and the plays of their peers.
Use a range of film and screenplay terms and techniques to discuss their own screenplays and the screenplays of their peers.
Critique the plays and screenplays of their peers in a workshop environment.
Revise their plays and screenplays by integrating critique from instructor and peers into their revision process.
Articulate how they are using critique to raise their work to a higher standard.
Describe the production process of staging a play and/or filming a screenplay.