Writing 530  Spring 2009

Owens 208   M  6:30-9:15

 

Professor Ely

Bancroft  234

Office  2414   Home  328-9207

E-mail  elys@winthrop.edu

 

E-mail will be checked M-F.  E-mail will not be checked on weekends or after 6:00 p.m. M-F.

         

My web page is located at faculty.winthrop.edu/elys.

 

The English Department’s home page is located at http://www.winthrop.edu/english.  Resources for many of our courses can be found at http://www.winthrop.edu/english/core.htm.

 

Office Hours 

 

M  4:45-5:15

TR  3:15-5:00

 

Objectives   

 

To demonstrate an understanding of narrative structure in screenplays; to demonstrate an understanding of methods of developing character; to write a 30 page adaptation of a short story and a 30 first act of a full length  screenplay (or a second 30 page adaptation of a short story).

                  

Textbooks    

 

THE ART OF THE TALE     Edited by Daniel Halpern

                    

Grading  

 

Grading is SUBJECTIVE

 

The following are some of the areas that the instructor will consider in determining the final grade:

 

The use of visual images, character development, structure, openings and closings.

 

Completion of only one screenplay will result in a grade of F for the course.

 

Complete Draft of Screenplay One Due    March  9

Final Draft of Screenplay Two and Final Draft of Screenplay One Due    Final Exam Day

 

Attendance

 

Students should attend all classes and participate in workshop discussions if they expect to receive any benefit from the course. 

 

Revisions

 

Students are expected to make extensive revisions based on the reaction of the workshop and the instructor.  Students may receive a grade of F for the course for not making revisions.

 

Formatting

 

All screenplays and drafts of screenplays must be formatted in Movie Magic Screenwriter.  This program is available at the university computer labs.  No screenplay will be accepted for examination in the workshop or for grading unless it is properly formatted.  This includes font style and size and page numbers.  Screenplays not in proper format will not be work shopped and the instructor will not discuss them with the writer.  Final drafts and complete drafts may receive a grade of F if they are not properly formatted.

 

Plagiarism  

 

Any instance of plagiarism will result in a grade of F for the course.  See the departmental statement concerning plagiarism at http://www.winthrop.edu/english/plagiarism.htm

 

 

Students With Disabilities   

 

If you have a disability and need classroom accommodations, please contact Gena Smith, Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities, at 323-2233 as soon as possible.  Once you have your Professor Notification Letter, please notify me so that I am aware of your accommodations well before the first test, paper, or assignment.