Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor/Lecturer
Kathryn Millard
Contact via kathryn.millard@mq.edu.au
Y3A Room 157
TBA
Convenor
Karen Pearlman
Contact via karen.pearlman@mq.edu.au
Y3A-193H
Mon & Tues 1:15 to 1:45 by appointment
Karen Pearlman
Kathryn Millard
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Credit points |
Credit points
3
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
12cp at 100 level or above
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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Unit description |
Unit description
This unit introduces students to writing for screen media; from film and television to portable devices. It explores techniques for developing ideas and writing scripts for fiction, non-fiction, animation and hybrid forms. This unit combines creative writing projects with critical analysis. It is relevant to those interested in screen media, writing and creative process.
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Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Unit Requirements and Expectations
Students attend a one-hour lecture in Week1 and view a weekly lecture on iLearn in Weeks 2-10
Students attend and participate in a two-hour workshop each fortnight beginning in Week 2. You are required to attend all workshops. As participation in the process of learning is linked to and underpins the unit Learning Outcomes, you will need to either apply for Disruptions to Studies to cover any missed workshops (if the disruption is greater than three days) or supply appropriate documentation to your unit convenor for any missed tutorial (if less than three consecutive days).
Students are expected to read and view materials posted by the Convenors/Lecturers at the iLearn page for this course.
Assessment tasks are aligned to the unit Learning Outcomes. Timely submission of assessment tasks is a unit requirement or penalties apply. 10% per day (including weekends) will be deducted for all late submissions unless Disruption to Studies (including a request for an extension) is approved.
There is no examination for this unit.
Submitting Assignments
Assignments should be submitted via the link at the Course's iLearn page.
They will be returned to students in class.
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
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Script Field-Notes | 40% | No | Week 7 |
First Draft Script | 50% | No | Week 12 |
Participation | 10% | No | All of semester |
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 40%
This task involves leaving your computer behind and taking a field trip. The aim is to observe/record details from the world. This material will feed into the short screenplay you will be working on this semester.
A. Write a 250 word Outline of your script idea. Your script idea should be for a movie suitable for broadcast via the web, mobile devices or screening. It should be able to be shot in Australia. It could be for a short drama, non-fiction, animation or hybrid movie.
B. Assemble Field-Notes for your script idea. Your Field-notes should address the following:
1. Character. Write a 250 word sketch of your proposed character or entity. It should show evidence of the following research. Record an interview with someone who might have a similar professional or personal background to your proposed character. How would they tell the story of their life to date? Do some research about their field of employment/how they spend their days. What did you learn that was surprising about this person or entity? What were your observations of the subject’s dress, walk, demeanour, body language and speech rhythms? How could you draw on this character research in developing your script?
2. Place. Visit a place that could function as a key location in your script. Take some photographs. Observe the time of day. Note the light, colours, forms, location sounds. Consider how you might use these observations in your script.
3. Mood Board. Assemble a sequence of 10 key images (photographs, postcards, magazine images, found pictures, frames from other movies etc.) that could inspire situations, ideas, imagery or dramatic action. Note what drew you to each image.
4. Reading/Viewing/Listening Research. In 250 words briefly summarise any key reading, viewing or listening that has informed your script idea.
5. Key text. A quote that is relevant to your idea. (Please provide details of the writer and where it was published.)
Assemble your notes/key images into a digital document for assessment.
Prepare a 10 minute summary to discuss with your tutorial group after submission and also be prepared to discuss your progress on this assignment by week 4 tutorial for feedback on your choices of character, place or images and the reading/listening/viewing you are researching.
Assessment Criteria
The criteria for this assessment are:
* Suitability of your outline as the basis for an engaging and innovative short film.
* Clarity and fluency of written expression.
* Evidence of in-depth research suited to the development of your screen idea that includes all five required modes in section B above (place, character, mood board, viewing/listening/reading, key text)
* Assembly and written presentation of your work - both text and images.
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 50%
Write a First Draft screenplay of around 10 minutes (roughly 10 pages) for a short movie. You should aim to draw on the research you have undertaken - and the feedback you have received - throughout the semester.
Parameters
1. Tell the story visually. Use dialogue sparingly. Narration or text on screen are good alternatives.
2. Format using an accepted Australian film industry format.
Please note that information on formatting and examples for fiction and non-fiction will be available at the unit’s iLearn page. This will be discussed in tutorials ahead of the assignment.
3. The submitted assignment should include a title page followed by a 150 word outline summarising your idea in an engaging way.
4. The submitted assignment should include a 250 word Writer's Statement identifying any challenges and obstacles you faced in shaping the story materials and how you have chosen to address them.
Assessment criteria
* The suitability of the First Draft as the basis of an engaging and innovative short movie.
* Written expression and demonstrated use of visual storytelling, narration and dialogue, as appropriate to your chosen genre, form .
* Ability to follow a requested script format. (Please draw on one of the examples to be provided by unit convenors).
* Evidence of critical reflection on the writing process in Writers' Statement.
Due: All of semester
Weighting: 10%
Students are expected to attend seminars regularly and make considered and informed contributions in response to weekly discussion questions, screenwriting exercises and other students' work.
Submission: through consistent punctual attendance and relevant, informed contributions in discussions of scripts, screenings and readings.
Assessment Criteria:
E-Readings
MAS 202 e-readings for this course will be available via the Library. The e-readings contain information necessary to completing assignments for this course.
Videos
Key videos relevant to assignments will be available through the MAS 202 iLearn page. They form part of the lecture material.
Technologies/resources required.
Students will be required to use their own computers for development of treatments, storyboards and scripts. It is recommended that MAS 202 students become familiar with Celtx (free script software). Microsoft Word can also be used for scriptwriting.
Lecture Schedule (Week 1 only a live lecture. Lectures for Weeks 2-10 to be viewed at iLearn site).
Week 1 Tuesday February 28th : Introduction to MAS 202. What is a Screenplay? Where do story ideas come from?
Week 2 Tuesday March 7th : Approaches to Character
Week 3: Tuesday March 14th Story Structures: Journeys and Going Places
Week 4: Tuesday March 21st Story Structures: People and Encounters
Week 5: Tuesday March 28th Writing Visually
Week 6: Tuesday April 4th Speech and Inner Speech
Week 7: Tuesday April 11th Playing with Time
SEMESTER BREAK
Week 8: Wednesday April 26th Short Script Case Studies
Week 9: Tuesday May 2nd Short Script Case Studies
Week 10: Tuesday May 9th Writing for Production
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
MMCCS Session Re-mark Application http://www.mq.edu.au/pubstatic/public/download/?id=167914
Information is correct at the time of publication
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
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