Unit Outline

This unit develops practical and creative skills in the craft of writing for performance. Through practical workshops, discussions, readings and dramaturgical sessions with the Unit Lecturer, you will explore the range of styles, genres, conventions, purposes and methodologies within writing for performance. Approaches to character development, script structure, style, and diverse modes of playwrighting will be explored, as well as the work of established writers. The unit involves a practice-based development of skills, with a focus on writing for performance, dramaturgy, evaluating works-in-progress, and incorporating feedback.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Understand and identify a variety of writing styles.
2	Apply conventions and methodologies of script structure, format and genre.
3	Demonstrate an understanding of the role of evaluation, redrafting and editing in the scriptwriting process.
4	Critically analyse diverse social and cultural contexts which influence writing for performance.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	AT1: Class presentation (study of selected writer and the impact of their work)	Week 4	20 %	LO1, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	AT2: Script analysis	Week 6	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	AT3: Script Treatment	Week 10	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 4:	AT4: Final draft Script & accompanying notes	Week 13	30 %	LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: AT1: Class presentation (study of selected writer and the impact of their work)

Task Description:

This is an individual task where you will research and investigate a particular writer: their plays or performance texts, their style of writing, the context of their writing and their impact on writing for performance in general. This is a class talk (recorded on video) and can be supported by a powerpoint, handouts or the use of other resources. The task will be discussed in Week one when scheduling and topics will be set.

Task Length:

5-7 minutes

Due Date:

Week 4

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrated research and knowledge of the life and work of a writer for performance.	LO1, LO4
2	Reference to at least two texts written by the selected writer.	LO1, LO4
3	Analysis of the style or genre of the selected writer’s work.	LO1, LO4
4	Comprehensive overview of the contribution of the writer to the craft of writing for performance.	LO1, LO4

Assessment Task 2: AT2: Script analysis

Task Description:

You will write an assessment of a selected text, which describes the scenario of the text and the writer’s intentions, and then analyse language, structure, themes and strengths and weaknesses of the work.

Task Length:

800-1000 words

Due Date:

Week 6

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrated understanding of the intention of the writer being assessed, utilising evidence from the text.	LO1, LO3, LO4
2	Critical analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the script.	LO2, LO3, LO4
3	Incorporation of objective language and unconditional positive regard in all comments.	LO3, LO4
4	Clear explanations and use of evidence for the text for all critical comments.	LO3

Assessment Task 3: AT3: Script Treatment

Task Description:

This is an individual and practice-based task and will require you to submit a treatment for a first draft of an original piece of writing for performance, with a focus on themes, narrative arc or concept and character.

Task Length:

1200 words

Due Date:

Week 10

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	A treatment for an original script with a breakdown of characters, themes and narrative arc.	LO2
2	Comprehensive notes on the setting of the text; its style and essential production elements.	LO1, LO2, LO3
3	Explanatory notes articulating plans for further development of the script or performance text	LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment Task 4: AT4: Final draft Script & accompanying notes

Task Description:

You will further develop the treatment developed as part of Assessment Task 3. The final draft script (as a complete short script or excerpts of a longer work) will demonstrate your ability to continue the development of your dramatic idea by addressing and incorporating the feedback you received for your treatment along with notes on characters, setting, production elements and plans for further development of the text.

Task Length:

Script: 5-10 pages; Notes: 1000 words

Due Date:

Week 13

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Creation of a short performance text, or an excerpt from a larger work.	LO2, LO3
2	Comprehensive notes on the characters, including back stories, character wants and goals.	LO2, LO3
3	Demonstrated ability to incorporate feedback and critical evaluation to create the second draft of your script.	LO3
4	Presentation of a script to accepted industry standard.	LO2

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.