FRS 002F — Sec. 001 — (2 units) — CRN 53085 — T 5:10-7:00 pm — 3 Wellman
Introduction to Screenwriting

Instructor: Thomas Smyth, Department of English, College of Letters and Science

Description: Sitting in the darkened movie theater, we may marvel at the actors’ character portrayals, the director’s innovative techniques, and the designers’ ability to capture an era. But before these artists can perform their art, a writer must compose a screenplay. In this course, students will learn the basics of screenwriting, from format and structure to character and plot development.

Format: The seminar will meet two hours each week for eight weeks. Each class will consist of discussion and lecture on the weeks’ topic, along with sharing of students ’writing. Students will have short weekly writing assignments, building toward a final Project, a 20-25 page script. Grading: Students will be given a letter grade based on the quality of their work and participation. Short assignments (50%); Final Project (30%); Participation (10%); and Quizzes (10%).

Required Text: Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting, by Robert McKee

About the Instructor: Thomas Smyth is beginning a postdoctoral Lecturer’s position at UC Davis after completing his Ph.D. in English. His research is in early twentieth-century American and British expatriate writing. He has co-authored three WGA registered screenplays.