THEA 204D: Stage and Screenwriting - Advanced

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2021
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 72
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 18
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Prerequisite: THEA 204C.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

Catalog Course Description

A deeper exploration of the skills developed in Stage and Screenwriting 204 A, B & C. Focus is on original script rewrites and an introduction to writing for television. 54 lecture hours, 18 lab hours.

Course Objectives

  • Use various visualization techniques in order to overcome "Writer's Block".
  • Pinpoint and refine minor changes for clarity to one's original written script.
  • Comprehend the need for drastic revisions of one's play or screenplay - elimination of entire scenes, write new scenes or structure the narrative for ease and flow.
  • Begin to fundamentally understand the differences between writing for television as opposed to screenplays and plays.
  • Write a 15-minute "Treatment" of a Television script.

Major Course Content

  1. Introduce terminology and concepts unique to Television scripts.
  2. Writing for Television vs. Writing Screenplays or Plays
    1. Sitcom
    2. One hour Dramatic
    3. Single camera Comedy
    4. Reality TV
    5. Movie of the Week
  3. Differences between writing for Network and writing for Cable
  4. Writing dialogue for Television
    1. Network
    2. Cable
  5. Appealing story content
    1. Network
    2. Cable
    3. Big Screen
  6. Copyright regulations and Protections
  7. Dramatists Guild and the Screenwriters Guild
  8. Revisions to full-length screenplay or play

Lab Content

  1. Observing live performances
  2. Observing television performances
  3. Observing filmed screenplays for analysis on clarity and audience appeal
  4. Continuing an in-class written journal focusing on existing screenplay or play and introducing concepts for television
  5. Writing exercises with specific focus on television scripts

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

A first revision of original scripted play or screenplay plus a 15 minute 'Treatment' of a television script is required.

Examples of Outside Assignments

reading the text observing various films and television programs Continuing an in-class written journal focusing on existing screenplay or play and introducing concepts for television creating a 15 minute 'Treatment' of a script for television revisions to existing play or screenplay

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Lab, Online Education Lecture, Online Education Lab