Screenwriting Major (B.A.)

Film is an international language, a celebrated art form and a multi-billion-dollar industry. To make the most of this dynamic fusion of art and commerce requires sophisticated and specialized preparation. The screenwriting program provides a creative and practical foundation for a successful career in writing for film and television, as well as preparation for farther graduate level study. The program offers the high-end skills that will help students shape their own futures.

In the program, screenwriting techniques and principles are explored and practiced through a core curriculum of writing. This curriculum provides the opportunity to develop an original voice, to reflect and grow as an individual creative screenwriter, and to apply this combination of skill and knowledge to the marketplace. It examines screenwriting and filmmaking from both historical and critical perspectives. Additional components of the program include visiting screenwriters, the Metro State Screenplay Festival, public readings, and opportunities for internships and independent studies.

Prerequisite

Students must have successfully completed Writ 101 Basic Writing or Writ 121 Writing I Intensive or have placed at Writ 131 Writing I or higher on the writing assessment offered by Diagnostic Services.

Requirements (36 credits)

Scrw 313 Beginning Screenwriting

Scrw 314 Intermediate Screenwriting

Scrw 415 Advanced Screenwriting

MdSt 370 Contemporary Cinema

MdSt 371 American Films: Traditions and Trends

Thea 400 Playwriting: The Dramatic Moment

Writ 353 Writing Short Fiction

MdSt 570 Topics in Film

Scrw 416 Senior Project in Screenwriting

Recommended Electives

Screenwriting majors are encouraged to enhance their degree program by completing some of the following elective courses:

Scrw 415 Advanced Screenwriting (may be taken twice)

Thea 345 Acting Offstage and On

Thea 445 Acting II

Thea 587 Playwriting II

Thea 351 Plays and Productions

Writ 251 Introduction to Creative Writing

Writ 481 Advanced Creative Writing

Writ 354 Writing Poetry

MdSt 484 Media in the Corporation and Education

MdSt 487 Writing and Producing for Radio/Audio

MdSt 560 Topics in Television, Radio and New Media

MdSt XXX Student-designed independent study and internships.

A minor in theater or creative writing is highly recommended.

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