syllabus

FILM/ENGL 2217-03:  Fundamentals of Story Development

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Time: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9:15-11:15 am

Course Location: Production Lab 2, GCC

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Instructor: Kent Kirkpatrick   

Office Location: GCC 201

Office Hours: by appointment

Phone: 505-660-1284 (mobile)

Email: kent.kirkpatrick@santafeuniversity.edu

TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS

·  (Required) Writing for Visual Media, by Anthony Friedmann [also available on Kindle]

·  (Required) Invisible Ink, by Brian McDonald (Libertary) [also available on Kindle]

·  (Required) Juno (The Shooting Script), by Diablo Cody (Newmarket Press)

·  (Optional) Mastering Celtx by Terry Borst (Course Technology) [also available on Kindle]

OBJECTIVES

To learn the fundamentals of story creation and writing for various visual media.  We'll examine what screenwriting and scriptwriting is (and isn't); the essential elements and building blocks of a story and a screenplay; some of the common jargon associated with screenwriting and screenplays; how to use various digital tools for composing scripts and script-related documents; and how to conceptualize and then compose a recognizable script or screenplay for almost any kind of purpose, medium and platform.

While the art of screenwriting is elusive, the craft of screenwriting is learnable. If you successfully complete this course, you will:

·  develop a professional screenwriting/scriptwriting vocabulary, and recognize the uses of (and difference between) the audio-visual script format and the master scene script format

·  develop methodologies for creating concepts and developing scripts

·  know how to better identify, analyze and address the strengths and weaknesses of any script or screenplay

·  know how to compose a basic script outline

·  know how to compose a script or screenplay for various kinds of projects (films, documentaries, training videos, ads, PSAs, etc.)

·  become proficient in using screen writing software, and preproduction tools

·  be proficient in script document management

 CLASS FORMAT

This class will combine lectures, demonstrations, class discussions, workshops and lab sections.  Your active participation is critical.  In the real world, writing involves dialogue with other professionals:  film, television and new media are all collaborative platforms.

GRADING CRITERIA

Project Assignments	50%
Final Project	20%
Attendance/Participation	25%
Midterm Exam/Final Exam	5%

Typically, grades are recorded every class based on the student’s participation. Written and creative assignments are graded on a scale of 100. The grades in each category above (project assignments, attendance/participation, and exams) are averaged and weighted for corresponding percentages for the final semester grade.

The percentage basis for these grades:  95-100=A; 90-94=A-; 87-89=B+; 83-86=B; 80-82=B-; 77-79=C+; 73-76=C; 70-73=C-; 61-69=D; anything below a 60=F

 An "A" is defined as "excellent."  You are not automatically entitled to an "A" because you completed all assignments on time.  Excellence is always a rare thing.

A =  Exceptional mastery of the subject studied.

B =  Above-average mastery of the subject studied.

C =  Completion of all the required coursework with sufficient mastery.

D =  Minimal completion of work with below average mastery.

I will always be happy to review individual assignment evaluations with you, and discuss your current course progress as a whole.

You will be completing dozens of assignments, large and small, in this class.  You may achieve consistently excellent scores throughout the semester, and it will be easy for you to gauge your progress and final evaluation.  However, you may achieve some good scores and some "average" scores in the course of the semester.  Check with me if you're unsure about your progress:  don't make assumptions that may be grossly inaccurate.

WORKLOAD TO EXPECT

Expect the composition and delivery of 3-5 pages a week, along with assigned readings through the semester.

DELIVERY AND FORMAT OF ASSIGNMENTS

All assignments need to be electronically delivered:  I'll explain our various delivery methods throughout the semester.  Most assignments will also require a hard copy delivery:  when in doubt, print your assignment as well.  Different assignments will require different kinds of formatting; this will be discussed throughout the semester.  Always make sure your name is embedded somewhere in your assignment. 

Assignments should be spell-checked and proofread, and sloppy work will always be reflected in grading and scoring.  Handwritten submissions are never accepted.

CLASS ATTENDANCE

Excused Absences - Definition: A student may become unable to attend classes for either a short or extended period of time due to illness, other medical situations, judicial proceedings, or family emergency. If you know about an upcoming absence that fits these parameters, please inform your instructor(s). You can make arrangements regarding doctor’s notes and making up missed work directly with the instructor(s). On rare occasions, an instructor may provide an excused absence for other reasons, but this needs to be discussed with the instructor in advance of the absence.

Unexcused Absences All other absences are considered unexcused, even when you notify your instructor in advance of an absence. Internships and production work are not considered “get out of jail” cards for unexcused absences. Internships and production work need to be scheduled around your class meetings, not the reverse.

Film School Policy: Class Attendance

More than 3 unexcused absences is considered grounds for a non-passing grade in a class. An unexcused absence in the first half of the semester will typically trigger an Early Alert filed with the student's academic advisor.

Tardiness

The film and television industries are predicated on professionalism, which includes being on time for all scheduled activities. Your instructor will track late entries into class, and 3 “tardies” may be counted as a single absence. 5 minutes late is considered “tardy” Your instructor will take timeliness into account for all final grades.

 COURTESY

·  Cell phones, MP3 players, and other personal communication or entertainment devices should be silenced or turned off, and not used or displayed during the class.

·  Food is not allowed in class.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS

A substantial number of assignments will not be accepted as “late”, and no makeup or “extra credit” is possible. Some of these assignments are completed in class; others require a scheduled discussion and become moot after the discussion.

Some assignments will be accepted late up until their return to students (but with the grade docked, typically by 10%); others will not be accepted late.  I'll always let you know when assignments will not be accepted as late.

INCOMPLETES

Not in this class.  (Incapacitating health reasons might rate an exception.)

YOU WILL NEED

Something to write on during class. We will often have computers in front of us, but handwritten notes are frequently useful, so don't be afraid to have a 3x5 cards, a spiral notebook, or some other analog recording device.

If you prefer taking notes on an iPad or other tablet, no problem. Your lack of note-taking technology isn't an excuse for missing assignments, instructions, and so on.

You should bring the current textbook, of course!

ALL assignments must be typed, and available both as hard copy and as an electronic document.  Make sure your electronic documents are retrievable online, so they can be accessed on the instructor's computer in class (usually for workshopping). There are times when I may ask for both versions, but without fail, you should have a printout of your assignment when it's due.  I recommend you bring headphones/earbuds – you'll sometimes need these in our lab sessions.

ONLINE ACCESS TO ASSIGNMENTS AND HANDOUTS

I've set up the following website for online access to our assignments, handouts, and other announcements: http://fundamentalsofstorydev-03.blogspot.com

ACCOMMODATING SPECIAL NEEDS

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Santa Fe University of Art and Design makes every effort to provide appropriate accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Students may receive these accommodations if they contact their professor and register with Emily Powell, Director of the Academic Advising and Resource Center: 505.473.6570.

ETHICS/ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Students are expected to exhibit academic honesty in the completion of all course assignments, exams, and activities. Cheating, fabrication, and plagiarism will not be tolerated. Incidences of academic dishonesty will be dealt with according to the Santa Fe University of Art and Design policy on academic integrity.

EMERGENCY CLASS CANCELLATION

If an emergency arises in which class must be cancelled, a note will be posted on the classroom door informing students of the cancellation and related information. If a cancellation notice is not posted, students are expected to remain in the classroom until dismissed by a college representative. In the event of severe weather, students should listen to local radio/television announcements for information or check the Santa Fe University website: santafeuniversity.edu. If the university is open, students are expected to attend class.

The syllabus and schedule may change. I reserve the right to change both syllabus and schedule if necessary. If you maintain a paper copy of the syllabus, bring it to class with you each week, in case we need to make changes. I'll notify you if there are significant changes made to either syllabus or schedule.