Scripts for Contemporary Theatre (CWRI20010)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject is an introduction to the principles and techniques of scriptwriting for the theatre. A selection of theatre scripts in various styles will be studied, in conjunction with relevant critical material, to enhance the production of an original script. Students will each view a current Melbourne theatre production and review the scriptwriting concept and techniques through blog-posts on a class forum, as well as participating in workshopping of their classmates’ scripts throughout semester. This subject is compulsory for students planning to take Writing Radical Performance in the 3rd year of their studies.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should have:
- the ability to demonstrate a rigorous creative and critical approach to the design and writing of scripts for theatre;
- developed a range of vocational and creative writing strategies through the development of performance texts that explore complex social and cultural contexts;
- gained a broad understanding of the relationship between scripts for the theatre and the historical contexts that produce them;
- developed effective communication techniques in a variety of oral, digital and written forms of scripting;
- the ability to communicate a respect for ethical values and intellectual honesty through their writing practice and through their engagement with scholarship on the traditions and innovations of creative writing for performance; and
- gained experience writing independently and in small groups, taking into account individual and cultural differences, to meet shared goals and to critically reflect upon their own work.
Generic skills
At the completion fo this subject, students should gain the following generic skills:
- the ability to analyse creative and critical material to develop and enhance their intellectual training and creative practice;
- acquired interpersonal skills of communication, collaboration and co-operation through attention to active listening, giving and receiving feedback etc. and how to reconceptualise and rewrite from feedback;
- acquired teamwork and public speaking skills through extensive presentation of work-in-progress during workshops; and
- demonstrated time management, independent organisation and planning.
Last updated: 14 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
CWRI30005 Writing for Theatre; 106-363 Writing for Theatre
Recommended background knowledge
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| CWRI10001 | Creative Writing: Ideas and Practice | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 14 March 2025
Assessment
Additional details
- Attendance and participation: It is compulsory that each student presents a work-in-progress script (equivalent to 250 words) during weeks 7-11 of semester. Attendance and participation is also expected in the workshopping of classmates’ scripts (10%)
- A 1,000 word blog entry (inc. interactive material: images, audio, links etc) that critically assesses the scriptwriting concept and techniques of a current performance work. Due week 9 of semester (30%)
- A 250 word introduction to the critical concepts and script techniques that underpin the final script, submitted with the script during the examination period (10%)
- A 2,000 word original script for performance, submitted during the examination period (50%)
- Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject. Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.
Last updated: 14 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Eddie Paterson Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total 30 hours: 2.5 hours per week comprising of a 1-hour lecture and a 1.5-hour tutorial for weeks 1-6 and a 2.5 hour workshop for weeks 7-12 Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 29 July 2019 to 27 October 2019 Last self-enrol date 9 August 2019 Census date 31 August 2019 Last date to withdraw without fail 27 September 2019 Assessment period ends 22 November 2019 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 14 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
- Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 14 March 2025