ClassInfo

SCWR 365 Showrunning I

Martha McGee

Fall 2022-2023
Class number: 19093
Section number: 401
Th 1:30PM - 4:45PM
14EAS 00211 Loop Campus

Download syllabus

Summary

This course provides an overview of the evolution of the Showrunner in network television, cable, and streaming media. Students will analyze how the success of a series is dependent on an astute Showrunner who knows how to handle the creative, financial, and managerial aspects of putting on a show. Emphasis will be placed on the vital role these executive producers play in the three stages of production to ensure the actualization and continuity of their artistic vision.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course students will:

  1. Identify the knowledge and abilities that a showrunner requires to carry a TV show.
  2. Recognize the managerial styles that could be applied when running a show and determine which of these is better suited for themselves.
  3. Apply the best strategies to effectively communicate with executives and colleagues during the development and production of a TV series.
  4. Identify the basic managerial tools to effectively budget and schedule a show.



Texts

Suggested Reading:

Landau, Neil (2013) THE TV SHOWRUNNER’S ROADMAP; Focal Press. ISBN-10 : 0415831679, ISBN-13 : 978-0415831673

Del Valle, Robert (2008) THE ONE-HOUR DRAMA SERIES: PRODUCING EPISODIC TELEVISION; Silman-James Press. ASIN : B00HK3D5QG



Grading

Final grades will be based on 5 presentations, 6 module assignments, a reflection video and the creation of a Pitch and Bible for an Original Show.

MODULE 01: The 5 Pillars

Assignment 1: What you need...
Research and Discussion – 10%

MODULE 02: The Writer

Assignment 2: Network Notes (Part I & II) – 10%

Presentation 1: Showrunner as a Writer – 5%

MODULE 03: The Producer

Assignment 3: Coin Assignment – 5%

Presentation 2: Showrunner as a Producer – 5%

MODULE 04: The Director

Assignment 4: Visualizing – 10%
Presentation 3: Showrunner as a Director – 5%

MODULE 05: The Manager

Assignment 5: The Boat – 10%
Presentation 4: Showrunner as a Manager – 5%

MODULE 06: The Leader

Assignment 6: Profiling your Leadership – 10%

Presentation 5: Showrunner as a Leader – 5%

FINAL ASSIGNMENTS

Reflection Video – 5%
Pitch and pitch Bible of an original Show – 15%

Grading Standards:

Letter Grade

Minimum % of Total Points

Letter Grade

Minimum % of Total Points

A

93

C+

78

A-

90

C

73

B+

88

C-

70

B

83

D+

68

B-

80

D

60

 

 

F

Below 60%


Prerequisites

SCWR 250 



School policies:

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.

Online Course Evaluations

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.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

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.

Academic Policies

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 with Disabilities

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