Screenwriting

Students in the screenwriting program have a fourfold requirement: to understand and to practice the art of screenwriting; to learn the fundamentals of dramatic production; to understand different models of filmmaking and film history; and to comprehend the role of the storyteller and that of mythology in the dramatic tradition. Students in the program are required to write a minimum of three full-length original screenplays. This curriculum guide is in effect for students who began the MFA Film: Screenwriting program in Fall 2010 and Fall 2011. An updated curriculum for Fall 2012 will be posted on the College of Communication website.

Screenwriting Curriculum

First Semester

• COM FT 702 Script into Film
• COM FT 706 Acting for Directors and Writers
• COM FT 711 Screenwriting I
• COM FT 722 American Masterworks or COM FT 721 International Masterworks

Second Semester

• COM FT 526 Advanced Directing (for students who entered in Fall 2010) OR COM FT 707 Production 1 (for students who entered in Fall 2011)
• COM FT 713 Screenwriting II
• COM FT 552 Special Topics (Genres)
• COM FT 512 Writing Episodic Drama

Third Semester

• COM FT 724 Screenwriting III
• COM FT 730 Screen Adaptation 1
• COM FT 522 Special Topics (in consultation with your faculty advisor)
• Elective (Film Studies)

Fourth Semester

• COM FT 729 Script Analysis
• COM FT 731 Screenwriting IV
• COM FT 514 Writing the Television Pilot
• Elective