THET 119 Introduction to Playwriting

This course is an introduction to the art and craft of playwriting. Students will complete several writing exercises, participate in workshops and discussions, read various scripts, attend and respond to theatrical performances, build a portfolio of works in progress and prepare a script for a staged reading.  Emphasis is placed on the student's increasing ability to freely employ the tools of the craft and respond to the work of other students.  This course is writing intensive.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

ENGL 121

Hours Weekly

3 hours weekly

Course Objectives

  1. Identify theatre playwriting elements and terminology and develop scripts through story-telling techniques and research.
  2. Generate ideas, explore possibilities, and consider alternatives for writing and thematic choices through observation, analysis, readings, and revision.
  3. Analyze and evaluate one's own writing, and that of others, through honest and constructive critiques of peer performances and live theatre events.
  4. Apply information and ideas to reflect on, and critically analyze the role of theatre and playwriting in illuminating the human condition.

Course Objectives

  1. Identify theatre playwriting elements and terminology and develop scripts through story-telling techniques and research.

    Learning Activity Artifact

    • Other (please fill out box below)
    • Text analysis

    Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

    • Critical and Creative Thinking Rubric

    Critical Thinking

    • CT1
  2. Generate ideas, explore possibilities, and consider alternatives for writing and thematic choices through observation, analysis, readings, and revision.

    Learning Activity Artifact

    • Other (please fill out box below)
    • Presentation and feedback on short play

    Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

    • Critical and Creative Thinking Rubric

    Critical Thinking

    • CT2
  3. Analyze and evaluate one's own writing, and that of others, through honest and constructive critiques of peer performances and live theatre events.

    Learning Activity Artifact

    • Writing Assignments
    • Written homework

    Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

    • Critical and Creative Thinking Rubric

    Critical Thinking

    • CT3
  4. Apply information and ideas to reflect on, and critically analyze the role of theatre and playwriting in illuminating the human condition.

    Learning Activity Artifact

    • Other (please fill out box below)
    • Critiques of local play

    Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

    • Critical and Creative Thinking Rubric

    Critical Thinking

    • CT4