SCWR 120 Film Structure for Majors
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Summary
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course provides a critical analysis of the three-act film structure, while also introducing alternative narrative structures, such as dual protagonist, ensemble, and non-linear frameworks. Films from various genres and eras, created by filmmakers with diverse intersectional identities, will be studied. Students will develop a cinematic vocabulary to engage in thoughtful film discussions and build a set of techniques for their own filmmaking practice.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:
- Describe the relationship between character development and story structure across a variety of films featuring a diverse range of characters, communities, and perspectives.
- Apply the Three Act Structure, Hero’s Journey, and Sequence Approach paradigms.
- analyze the manner in which story structure is influenced by genre discuss nontraditional Narratives as a counterpoint to “classic” structure.
- Employ a vocabulary of cinematic terms.
Texts
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK:
The Tools of Screenwriting: A Writer’s Guide to the Craft and Elements of a Screenplay by David Howard and Edward Mabley, Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting, A Step-by-Step Guide from Concept to Finished Script by Syd Field, and How to Build a Great Screenplay by David Howard.
Grading
GRADE BREAKDOWN:
Discussion Response Papers: 40%
Attendance: 20%
Mid-Term Paper: 20%
Final Exam Paper: 20%
100 Totals
Grading Scale:
A 93-100
A- 90-92
B+ 87-89
B 83-86
B- 80-82
C+ 77-79
C 73-76
C- 70-72
D+ 67-69
D 60-66
F 0-59
Discussion Question Response Papers:
Write a minimum one-page (250 words total and I will check word count) response paper and upload the .doc or .pdf to D2L.
There will be a total of seven of these assignments in the course.
Discussion question responses are due on the class AFTER they are assigned. There is no penalty for late work, but late response papers will only be accepted up the last class of the quarter.
Midterm Exam:
There will be a midterm exam/quiz. Please let me know if you need any exam accommodations (for example, if you are working with DePaul’s Center for Students with Disabilities), as soon as possible. Make-ups will only be allowed for excused absences.
Final Analysis Paper:
Analyze two feature screenplays and write a 7-10 page paper. The prompt for the final paper will be posted on D2L’s Submissions, and the prompt will be discussed thoroughly in class.
CONTENT LABELS AND TRIGGER WARNINGS
This class aims to address historical harms in media representation, and many of our readings and materials will explore the legacies of sexism, racism, and other forms of social violence. Trigger warnings will be provided for particularly challenging content, and I will strive to create a classroom environment where we can engage with difficult topics courageously, compassionately, and thoughtfully. The goal is to encourage open discussions while giving students the opportunity to make informed decisions about their emotional and mental well-being. If there is any material that a student feels they cannot engage with, they are welcome to inform me so we can arrange an appropriate alternative.
Nevertheless, the films, lectures, and discussion in this course may engage deeply with potentially sensitive or traumatizing material, such as:
- violence,
- sexual assault/rape,
- sexism,
- racism,
- police brutality,
- transphobia,
- homophobia,
- abuse,
- suicide,
- blood,
- animal abuse
- body-shaming.
It is not possible for me to anticipate all triggers, so above all take care of yourself, and stop watching the film immediately if any material being screened in any way triggers or harms you.
CHANGES TO SYLLABUS
This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.
This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.
Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course
content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The
evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely
separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation.
Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.
This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you
have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.
All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.
All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.
Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that
you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296