Module Catalogue 2024/25

SEL3401 : Theatre Script Portfolio

SEL3401 : Theatre Script Portfolio

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Zoe Cooper
  • Owning School: English Lit, Language & Linguistics
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 20
Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 20.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Code Title
SEL2224Poetry Workshop
SEL2226Theatre Script Workshop
SEL2227Prose Workshop
SEL2228Screenwriting Workshop
Pre Requisite Comment

Students should have taken either SEL2224 or SEL2226 or SEL2227 or SEL2228 to be able to take this module. However, if they have not taken these modules they may apply to the module leader for permission to take this module.

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

1. To prepare a file of work which consists of a self-contained theatre script.

2. To prepare a self-reflective essay.

Outline Of Syllabus

Over the course of one to one tutorials, small group work sessions and independent research and a final workshop students will develop a self-contained play, synopsis of the same and self-reflective essay. In small group work sessions students will explore playtexts, online theatre and live theatre (if available) and discuss this with other students in order to develop their understanding of contemporary theatre and present their findings to the tutor. In the one to one and small group work sessions they will reflect on drafts of their own creative work. In the final workshop they will listen to each other's work and offer critical feedback alongside their peers and tutor. The largest portion of the syllabus is taken up by independent research in which students will develop drafts of their plays and self-reflective essay.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

1. The student will acquire insight into the process of selecting and planning an extended creative project.
2. The student will acquire insight into the imaginative processes of writing at length.
3. The student will understand key technical aspects of script writing.
4. The student will expand their knowledge of a range of contemporary theatre.

Intended Skill Outcomes

1. The ability to create and develop a substantial body of script.
2. The ability to apply craft skills, techniques and methods to their own creative work.
3. The ability to sustain a self-directed project over time, to build on and develop work already underway, and to engage in a prolonged process of editing and revision.
4. The ability to read exemplar and other texts with attention to verbal and formal creativity.
5. The ability to assess and reflect upon their own creative work and the work of peers with constructive rigour in study groups, presentation and workshop.
6. The student will acquire cooperative skills required to write for theatre.
7. The ability to demonstrate engagement with the critical process in a self-reflective essay.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion180:0080:00n/a
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture11:001:00Introductory lecture/workshop
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading1137:00137:00n/a
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching31:003:003 joint presentations given by students of 3 plays read.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops13:003:00A joint workshop to read work aloud.
Guided Independent StudyReflective learning activity31:003:003 x 1 hour discussion group of the three plays viewed.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesFieldwork32:006:003 x plays to watch in person or online through a 3rd party platform. Synchronously or asynchronously
Guided Independent StudyStudent-led group activity61:006:006 x 1 hour student led discussion group of 6 plays read or viewed.
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1154:00154:00n/a
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDissertation/project related supervision71:007:00n/a
Total400:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

All students attend the plenary session to be assigned study groups and learn about the structure and expectations for the module.

Each student must consult the module leader with an initial proposal, submitting an opening plan or sketch for comment and discussion.

The specific length of each supervision will vary from student to student depending on their needs, but the total length of supervision hours is listed above with the expectation that the number of supervisions will be approximately seven.

The field work to watch plays and student led discussion groups that follow play an important role in encouraging the students to see their work in the broader landscape of theatre and existing plays. The presentations of the 3 plays read do the same. This activity is also important because it requires students to work cooperatively with others. Theatre is a cooperative business and playwrights are expected to work with a broad range of other artists in the process of creating productions so this is vital for the students, especially those who plan to pursue a career in theatre.

The development workshop aims will vary depending on the needs of each student, where possible students may hear their work with professional/industry support.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Portfolio2A100A self-contained one act play (4500-5000 words) and accompanying 300-500 word synopsis, plus 1500 word self-reflective essay.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The self-contained play, accompanying synopsis of the same and the self reflective essay will together evidence processes of drafting, principles of selection, the uses of influence, and playwriting craft techniques acquired throughout the module. The portfolio must include a bibliography of books read and plays read and performances attended or viewed as evidence of research.

The final mark will be a consideration of both the file of original work and the essay with the file of original work being the major factor and the self-reflective essay being the minor factor.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

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The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.