MetropolitanCommunity College

Course Syllabus –200808/FA

COURSE IDENTIFICATION

Title:- Introduction to Scriptwriting

Prefix/Section: - VACA_1110_2A

Credit Hours:- 4.5

Begins/Ends- Begins Wednesday, September 3. Ends November 12

Meeting Day/Time:- Wednesday, 6:00-10:00PM

Last Day to Withdraw- Tuesday, October 28

Delivery Type:- Classroom

ClassLocation:- Elkhorn Valley Campus, room 157

CONTACT INFORMATION

Instructor Name:- Charlie Cogar

Office Location:- Fort Omaha Campus, Building 17, IDS

Office Telephone:- 402.515.7934

Facsimile:- 402.289.1250

Office Hours:- As arranged

Email Address:-

Academic Program Area:- Languages and Visual Arts

Dean’s Office Telephone:- 402.289.1331

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Description: This course introduces scriptwriting for moving image media with emphasis on video and television production. Primarily using the two-column format, lab exercises and assignments use the concept, treatment, and scripting process. Television commercials, programs,non-broadcast, educational, and motion picture film samples are reviewed and discussed.

Course Prerequisites: ENG 101

Course Objectives:

  1. Understand the process of script development from concept to treatment, draft, and final script.
  2. Name and recognize the terms, formats, process and parts of the scriptwriting process based on lecture, class activities, and assigned readings.
  3. Understand and useFinal Draft scriptwriting software to write scripts in the two-column format for assignments and projects.
  4. Develop original and/or assigned project(s) using the concept, treatment, and script draft process.
  5. Present scripts for discussion and class review.
  6. Scripts for projects in VACA courses including Moving Image Lab, Video I and II are strongly encouraged.

Required & Supplemental Materials:

  • Text: Writing for Television, Radio and New Media by Robert Hilliard, Ninth edition. ISBN 978-0-495-38404-5
  • Computer,AcademicResourceCenter and EIG labs, library, and the Internet.
  • Jump drives, email account, various industry resources, texts, trade journals, handouts, Internet web sites, dictionary, thesaurus, style guides, and your imagination.

Course Structure:

  1. Major class activities include lectures, in-class assignments, group activities and discussions, and various resources including trade journals and handouts of current events, industry news, trends, theories, principles and practices. Viewing of TV commercials/programs, motion picture films, Internet resources, and a possible industry guest speaker.
  2. Activitiesoutside of class include assigned text readings, writing assignments, research,a possible field trip and other efforts.

COURSE ASSESSMENT

  1. Types of Assessment/Assignments
  2. Students will be assessed by demonstrated reading of textbook assignments; in-class lab assignments, projects, active participation, and a final project/exam. These are the major assessment tools and equal 60% of the class grade.
  3. Projects finished on time with quality and creativity…
  4. Punctuality, attendance, attentiveness…
  5. General Education Competenciesinclude fundamental English and writing skills. ENG 101 is a prerequisite. Oral and written communication skills are essential. The desire to constantly improve is required…
  6. Correct spelling, punctuationandgrammarcounts; the appropriate use of language and dialogue is encouraged…
  7. Respect for the ideas of others is required…
  8. Items “b” through “f” account for 40% of the final grade.
  9. A schedule of assignments is included.
  1. Grading Policy
  • Attendance, completed assignments, participation, professionalism, and effortare all final grade factors. Demonstrated improvement and a DESIRE TO LEARN AND IMPROVE are factors. Read the text.
  • Late assignments will be downgraded one grade lower for each late assignment and will affect the final grade. It is up to the student to get late projects to the instructor.
  • Make-up test procedures will be in accordance with the College’s procedures, on an individual basis if necessary.
  • Class participation and attendance: 40%
  • Assignments, text reading, and projects: 60%
  1. Maintenance of Student Records
  2. Studentswill receive feedback on all assignments
  3. Papers/projects/tests/ will be returnedin class with instructor comments.
  4. The instructor will maintain a portfolio of all work produced.
  5. Every effort will be made to return all papers/projects/tests. See the instructor to make arrangements if necessary.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

  1. Attendance Policy

Attendance and class participation are part of your grade. You are expected to attend. Each unexcused missed class will deduct 5% off your final grade. See the instructor for special circumstances. Contact the instructor if necessary.

  1. Expected Classroom Behavior

Class meets at the end of the day, and we’ll occasionally view programs and other on-screen materials - - the classroom may be darkened. If you become drowsy PLEASE STAND UP, WALK AROUND, AND/OR GO TO THE BACK OF THE ROOM. No sleeping.

Some of the material viewed (films, programs, videotapes, etc.) may include images and/or language that some may find offensive. There is no intent to offend anyone.

We will take breaks for the customary reasons.

  1. Class Participation

Active participation is expected. This is an engaging field of studyand often generates passionate discussions and opinions. Respect each other - - and the instructor.

  1. Disruptive Classroom Behavior

Disruptive classroom behavior will not be tolerated. Respect for the ideas of others is mandatory.

  1. Portable Electronic Devices Usage

Turn off cell phones, electronic devices and pagers. That means “Off.” Not vibrate. No calls, texting, or headphonesduring class.

  1. Internet Use During Class

Only as approved and required by class activities. No email or online shopping. You’re here on your dime and my time. Don’t waste either.

Notice: This syllabus is written as an expectation of class topics, learning activities, and expected learning outcomes. However, the instructor reserves the right to make changes in this schedule that may result in enhanced or more effective learning for students. These modifications will not substantially change the intent or objectives of this course and will be done within the policies and guidelines of Metropolitan Community College.

LEARNING SUPPORT

Metro's Academic Resource, Math, and WritingCenters can help you achieve educational success. Facultyin these centers provide drop-in assistance with basic math, reading, writing and computer skills in a friendly, supportive learning environment. Self-paced computer-assisted instructional support in reading, vocabulary, typing, English as a Second Language (ESL), and online course orientation is also available.

Detailed information about these services are in the Student Handbook, College Catalog, and online. Links to these resources are located at

COLLEGE POLICIES

College policies, such as student rights and responsibilities, academic standards, plagiarism, and etc. are outlined in the College Catalog and Student Handbook. This information can be accessed via the online catalog at

STUDENT WITHDRAWAL: If you cannot attend and complete this course, you should officially withdraw by calling Central Registration, 457-5231. Failure to officially withdraw will result in either an instructor withdraw (IW) or failing (F) grade. The last date to withdraw is identified on the second page of this syllabus handout.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT: The College has a standard code of conduct that involves consequences for specific academic and non-academic behavior that may result in a failing grade, probation, or suspension from the college. More complete information about the code of conduct is located in the Student Services portion of the online catalog(

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you have a disability that may substantially limit your ability to participate in this class, please contact a Vocational Special Needs Counselor, located in the Student Services Office on each campus. Metropolitan Community College will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with documented qualifying disabilities. However, it is the student’s responsibility to request accommodations. For further information, please contact the Student Services Office at your campus.

ADDITIONAL COLLEGE POLICIES

1.ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT

Students are reminded that materials they may use as sources for this course may be subject to copyright protection. Additional information about copyright is provided on the library webpageat by your instructor, or by the College's Copyright Officer. In response to incidents of student dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.), the College imposes specific actions that may include receiving a failing grade on a test, failure in the course, suspension from the College, or dismissal from the College. The disciplinary procedures are available in the Counseling/Advising Centers.

2.USE OF STUDENT WORK

The ownership of student works submitted in fulfillment of classroom requirements shall remain with the student(s): By enrolling in classes offered by Metropolitan Community College, the student gives the College license to mark on, modify, and retain the work as may be required by the process of instruction, as described in the course syllabus. The institution shall not have the right to use the work in any other manner without the written consent of the student(s).

3.ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING PROGRAM

MetropolitanCommunity College is committed to continuous improvement of teaching and learning. You may be asked to help us to accomplish this objective. For example, you may be asked to respond to surveys or questionnaires. In other cases, tests or assignments you are required to do for this course may be shared with faculty and used for assessment purposes. This will be done in accordance with FERPA guidelines.

4.TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

By using the information technology systems at MCC (including the computer systems and phones) you acknowledge and consent to the conditions of use as set forth in the Metropolitan Community College Procedures Memorandum on Acceptable Use of Information Technology and Resources. It is your responsibility as a student to be familiar with these procedures. The full text of the Procedures Memorandum may be found at the following website:

1.SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS – NOTE: Subject to Change

Class 1 (Wednesday, September 3, 2008)

  • Student and instructor introductions
  • Overview of course and syllabus; instructor expectations
  • Your story: Type your story - - what are your personal and educational, experiences and professional aspirations and goals? What is your expectation for the class?
  • What prior media production or writing experience do you have? Is this your first video/audio class? Are you a hobbyist with your own gear, etc.?
  • Class activity: television commercial on screen.
  • Orientation to ScriptWerx software.
  • Homework: read chapters 1 and 2. See page 44 in the text. Hint: that’s next week’s lab.

Class 2 (Wednesday, September 10)

  • Class discussion of chapters 1 and 2
  • Lab: See page 44. Using the two-column format, write a short television commercial for a real or unreal product or service. Use industry standard terms for camera movements and shot descriptions as indicated in questions 1, 2, and 3. Did you read chapters 1 and 2?
  • Submit lab assignment before the end of class.
  • Homework: read chapters 3 and 4.

Class 3 (Wednesday, September 17)

  • Group sharing and discussionof lab assignments.
  • Class discussion of chapters 3 and 4
  • Lab: Page 118, question 1: write the audience analysis, appeal and persuasion for the commercial you wrote. Does your spot work? Do you need to revise it? Why or why not?
  • Read chapters 5 and 6.

Class 4 (Wednesday, September 24)

  • Class activity: discuss chapters 5 and 6; view sample(s).
  • Lab: See #5, page 222, and outline a doc or feature story of your choice, real or fictitious. This can be an interview with a person, description of an event, etc. Compose this in paragraph form as a treatment, concept or synopsis.
  • Homework: Write a short script for this exercise. Hint: Can you do this for an assignment for Moving Image Lab or Video I or II?

Class 5 (Wednesday, October 1)

  • Lab: Finish homework in first half of class
  • Second half: Class discussion of completed scripts.
  • Read chapter 9.

Class 6 (Wednesday, October 8)

  • Possible guest speaker and/or discuss chapter 9; view sample(s).
  • Homework: read chapter 10.

Class 7 (Wednesday, October 15)

  • Discuss chapter 10; bring your favorite (loved or hated) program/film based on chapter 10 for next classto discuss its plot, characters, and structure.

Class 8 (Wednesday, October 22)

  • Continue discussion of chapter 10.

Class 9 (Wednesday, October 29)

  • Lab and homework: The Final Project - - write an original short visual story/feature treatment, outline and script. Hint: Can you do this for Moving Image Lab or Video I or II?

Class 10 (Wednesday, November 5)

  • Summary discussions. Possible take home exam and final project.
  • Are all assignments in?

Class 11 (Wednesday, November 12)

  • FINAL EXAM, SUBMIT FINAL PROJECT, LAST CLASS: Discussion of work produced; opinions, calls to action.

NOTE: Dates, assignments, and resources may be adjusted to improve students’ learning the material, enhance the learning environment, or due to circumstances beyond the instructor’s control. Or “other.”

2.IMPORTANT DATESAccess the Metro Academic Calendar

WRITE ON!

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