Writing Videogames and Live Performance (CWRI30015)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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This subject engages with the theoretical, practical and technical aspects of creative writing for videogames and live performance. Through a rigorous examination of the work of key artists and writing from the 1980s onwards, students will devise concepts for games, performance and enhance their scriptwriting practice. Student will produce a critical essay and two scripts: a solo piece or character monologue; and a script for a game or live performance; as well as workshopping their ideas in class.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should have:

  • a sophisticated understanding of, and the ability to articulate, the conceptual relationship between historical developments and current approaches to scriptwriting for videogames and live performance;
  • engaged with key debates within the areas of game studies, performance studies and live art to enhance an awareness of the social, cultural and political contexts that underpin their own work;
  • the ability to independently devise, draft and develop multiple scriptwriting projects with a rigorous approach to creative writing methods, intellectual honesty and ethical values;
  • demonstrated high-level analysis and close reading of a variety of critical and creative material with an emphasis on contemporary performance; and
  • developed an understanding of the importance of workshopping as a creative and vocational tool wherein participants from diverse cultural backgrounds and disciplines communicate and collaborate.

Generic skills

At the completion of this subject, student should gain the following generic skills:

  • the ability to prepare and present their ideas in both verbal and written mode at an intermediate level and in conformity to conventions of academic presentation;
  • the ability to demonstrate teamwork through joint performance preparation and participation in discussion and workshopping;
  • the ability to enhance their vocational writing skills and knowledge of communication techniques through the design and development of an original work for performance;
  • the ability to give and respond to constructive feedback through workshopping and class discussion;
  • research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources, defining areas of enquiry and effective methods of research; and
  • the ability to demonstrate time management, independent organisation and planning.

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
CWRI20009 Writing for Screen
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
CWRI20010 Scripts for Contemporary Theatre
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

CRWI20006 Script for Performance

106-091 Writing for Performance

106-236 Script for Performance

Recommended background knowledge

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ENGL20030 Modern and Contemporary Theatre
Semester 2 (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: 9 April 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Attendance and participation: It is compulsory that each student circulates via email a work-in-progress script. Attendance and participation is also expected in the workshopping of classmates' scripts

  • 250 words (equivalent)
From Week 7 to Week 1110%

An essay exploring a key artist and their technical and conceptual innovations in writing for games and live performance

  • 1500 words
Week 630%

A 5 minute script for a solo performance or in-game monologue, to be read/performed in class

  • 750 words (equivalent)
From Week 9 to Week 1120%

An original script for videogames or performance

  • 1500 words
During the examination period40%

All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of (or at least) 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. There is an expectation that students attend lectures, in person or via online delivery. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass this subject. For the purposes of meeting this hurdle requirement, each submitted assessment must be complete and constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task. (Complete not less than 50% of word count)		Throughout the teaching periodN/A

Additional details

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 2% per working day.

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    CoordinatorEddie Paterson
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursTotal 30 hours: a 1-hour lecture and a 1 hour tutorial for weeks 1-6 and a 2.5 hour workshop for weeks 7-12.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period27 February 2023 to 28 May 2023
    Last self-enrol date10 March 2023
    Census date31 March 2023
    Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2023
    Assessment period ends23 June 2023

    Semester 1 contact information

    eddiep@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

What do these dates mean

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  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Further information

Last updated: 9 April 2025