Syllabus

MEDA – 312 Screenwriting

Fridays: 2:15to 4:35PM

Instructor: Erik Fauske

Office Hours: by appointment
Contact: 503- 701-3084 (cell)
Campus Email: erikfauske@pacificu.edu
Personal Email: erikfauske@hotmail.com
Website: www.erikfauske.com

Required Textbooks:
“The Writer’s Journey – Mythic Structure For Writers” (3rd Ed. 2007)
Author: Christopher Vogler
ISBN: 978-1-932907-36-0 (available at Pacific bookstore)

“On Film-making: An Introduction to the Craft of the Director”

Author: Alexander Mackendrick - Faber & Faber - 1st Ed 2005
ISBN-10: 0571211258 (available at Pacific bookstore and Library)

Course Description:
This course is an introduction to the art and craft of screenwriting, focusing on the
dominant screenplay format of the motion picture industry. Students explore styles,
formatting, development of character, arcs and relationships through the creation of a
15 to 20 - page screenplay. Lectures, film screenings, textbook readings, as well as an
on-line component for written assignments are geared toward exploring the principles
of dramatic writing for the screen. Storytelling for the screen begins here.

Outcomes/ Objectives:
This course will give the students the opportunity to do the following:
- Story development and the principles of classic mythic story structure
- Character development
- Create Beat sheets and Screenplay prep: Treatment, Outlines, Exercises
- Professional Screenwriting formatting and templates
- Critical analysis of film structure and screenwriting using the principles of the Hero’s
Journey

The Work:
- On-line Written Assignments
- Film Breakdowns
- Comprehension Exam
- Script: First Draft
- Script: Critiques
- Script: Final Draft
- Textbook Readings
Grade Breakdown:

Final Script 25%

Draft Script 15%
Draft Script Critique 5%
Written Assignments 20%
Comprehension Exam 15%
Film Breakdowns 10%
Attendance/ Participation 10%

The Work

The Script:
The completion of a 15 to 20 page Script will be the final goal! The script will be
crafted throughout the entire term going through the many stages of development
including concept, characters, outlines, loglines, Beat sheets, scenes, genre, plot,
conflict development, dialogue, subtext, and format. Students will submit a first draft
and a final re-write. Scripts are to be professionally formatted.

On Line Written Assignments:

Blackboard: http://blackboard.pacificu.edu
We will be using Pacific’s on line system to turn in written assignments and participate
in critiques. Use your pacific student id and “log in password” to sign in. Students will
be required to post their assignments as well as post a response on other student’s
work. Due dates for written material and homework will be the day before class.

Screenwriting is a writer’s craft that needs development. Each and every week a
written assignment will be due. The written assignments will be part of your
development of your Final Script. Meeting deadlines is absolutely crucial for a
successful grade.

During the submission of First Draft Scripts, students are required to critique their
fellow students work.

Screenings:
We will be viewing a variety of films, and breaking down the structure of these stories.
Students will be required to “Spine” the films as well as map the Hero’s journey.
Submissions will be turned in via Blackboard.

Comprehension Exam/ Textbook Readings/ Class Handouts:

The class textbooks are an invaluable resource for storytelling principles. Students are
expected to keep up with the reading and use the textbook as a guide in developing
their screenplays. Handouts concerning the lesson plans will be available via
Blackboard. The exam will be from the textbook readings and lesson plan outlines.
Attendance/ Participation:
Attendance is extremely important. For the first unexcused absence you will lose 3
points from your total grade. For any additional absences you will lose 5 points off
your total grade per absence. Call or email ahead of time if you anticipate an absence.

I expect students to be vocally and mentally engaged in class. As a group we will

review and critique screenplays. I expect thoughtful and professional feedback from
students.

Software:
Final Draft 7 software is HIGHLY encouraged for this class. Academic versions are
available through www.academicsuperstore.com . The Media Lab in Walter Hall will
have 5 stations loaded with the software. This is the software we will use for
formatting and review in class.

Students can also utilize Microsoft word. Handouts will be distributed for working
with that software. http://celtx.com/ Celtx is an acceptable program for submission,
however we will not review this software in class.

Notes:

Media Lab:
Students who need access to the media lab after hours will need to contact Campus
Public Safety – 503-352-2230

Academic Misconduct Statement:

Pacific University has no tolerance for academic misconduct. It is university policy
that all acts of misconduct be reported to the Dean’s Office. Sanctions that may be
imposed for such misconduct range from an “F” for the assignment, an “F” for the
course, and suspension or dismissal from the university. Forms of academic
misconduct include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, fabrication, cheating, tampering
with grades, forging signatures, and using electronic information resources in violation
of acceptable use policies.

Statement of Disability:
Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact Edna K. Gehring, Director of
Learning Support Services for Students with Disabilities, at ext. 2107 or
gehringe@pacificu.edu. She will meet with such students, review the documentation
of their disabilities, and discuss the services Pacific offers and any required ADA
accommodations for specific courses.