Screenwriting II Syllabus for 2021-2022
Return to Syllabus List
Instructor Information
Instructor
Lance Riley (Curriculum Vitae)Phone
Phone number not availableOffice Location
Office Hours
Course Information
COVID-19 Protocols
Recording Policy
Disability Statement
If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.
Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement
Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.
If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.
Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:
As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc
Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:
The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.
Administrative Drop Policy
Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016
Student Withdrawal Procedures
Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.
NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.
Privacy Statement
The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students. If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .
Course
FLMC-1374-001 Screenwriting II
Prerequisites
Course Description
Building on the fundamentals of screenwriting from semester one, student's focus on writing the short screenplay by taking ideas from concept to final draft. Students are introduced to elements of character development and objectives, scene beats, conflict, obstacles, premise, tension, emotional throughline, and act structure. Students continue to explore the elements of screenwriting in a combination of lectures and workshops for writing and peer critique.
Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website
Department Expectations
Occupational License Disclaimer
Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:
Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:
Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me
You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.
Hours
(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 3 lab)
Class Type
Online Course
Syllabus Information
Textbooks
No textbooks are required. PDFs of scripts to films will be provided by professor.
Supplies
Acquiring Films:
Fortunately, with today’s technology, most films are accessible online through streaming services or rental. Every attempt has been made to find films for discussion that are accessible at no cost to students. Most films and TV series are accessible at the public library or through the streaming service Kanopy which can be streamed for free with a library card. There are a few instances where it may be required to rent the film. If you are unable to pay the rental fee, please inform the instructor and an alternative film can be assigned.
You must watch the assigned films and read the assigned scripts to participate in weekly discussions. It is your responsibility to acquire and view films. You can watch the films in any order and if you have watched them before, it is recommended that you rewatch the films so that you are prepared for class.
Disclaimer: Films in this course range from a PG rating to an R rating. R rated films can feature violence, language, sexual content, substance abuse, and nudity. If you are unable to watch a film due to personal convictions, please contact me at the beginning of the semester for alternative assignments.
Student Performance
STUDENT PERFORMANCE
- Analyze films and scripts in weekly class discussions
- Apply knowledge gained in discussions and analysis in crafting your 2nd and 3rd acts.
- Apply knowledge to create your outline for the 2nd and 3rd act of screenplay.
- Complete 2nd and 3rd acts of the screenplays you began in Screenwriting I.
Students Rights and Responsibilities
Student Rights and ResponsibilitiesLog in using the AC Connect Portal
In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .
If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".
Expected Student Behavior
No behavior expectations available
Grading Criteria
GRADING CRITERIA:
- Virtual Class Discussion/Workshop: 35%
- Three Act Outline: 20%
- Complete First Draft of Full Script: 45%
Attendance
You are expected to attend weekly class discussions to receive Virtual Class Discussion credit. However, if you are not able to attend a class, contact the instructor before the class. Missing class for unexpected emergencies will be taken into account. Please discuss it with the instructor.
Calendar
Disclaimer: It is your responsibility to research the ratings for the assigned films and decide for yourself whether or not you feel comfortable watching the film and/or reading the script. (IMDB provides explanations for a film’s rating.)
Week 1: Introduction and Class Overview
First Class - 10/26
Discuss the syllabus and expectations for the course. Students will introduce their script ideas to the other students and professor so that everyone is acquainted with each other’s story ideas. Discuss where each student is in their process: page count, outline, etc.
Assign workshop dates and assign due dates.
ASSIGNMENT
- Students will continue work on OUTLINE
Second Class - 10/28
Additional discussions on outlining with a focus on outlining Acts II and III. Refresher on Three Act Structure with an emphasis on Acts II and III.
ASSIGNMENT:
- Continue work on OUTLINE
- Read the script for and watch Sicario, written by Taylor Sheridan
- Up to page 30 on your script.
- Assigned students will turn in pages by 11:59 PM on 11/01 in Blackboard on the Discussion Board for all students to download. (Must submit PDF.)
Week 2: Act II - Turning Point
First Class - 11/02
Discuss the events that kick start the second act. The discussion will connect to the assigned film and scenes.
ASSIGNMENT:
- Outline for Act II and Act III is due by 11:59 PM on 11/04 on Blackboard.
Second Class - 11/04
Workshop TWO Works in Progress. (Up to page 30.) Answer any outstanding questions about Outlines. Outlines due that night.
ASSIGNMENT:
- Read the script for and watch The Princess Bride, written by William Goldman.
- Up to page 40 on your script.
- Assigned students will turn in 30 pages by 11:59 PM on 11/08 in Blackboard on the Discussion Board for all students to download. (Must submit PDF.)
Week 3: Introducing Subplots
First Class - 11/09
Discuss subplots. How to introduce them. Why do you need them? Examples of them in analyzed films.
Second Class - 11/11
Workshop TWO Works in Progress. (Up to page 40.)
ASSIGNMENT:
- Read the script for and watch Gone Girl, written by Gillian Flynn
- Up to page 50 on your script.
- Assigned students will turn in 40 pages by 11:59 PM on 11/15 in Blackboard on the Discussion Board for all students to download. (Must submit PDF.)
Week 4: Midpoint
First Class - 11/16
Discuss the Midpoint of your script, where everything changes. The discussion will connect to the assigned film.
Second Class - 11/18
Workshop TWO Works in Progress. (Up to page 50.)
ASSIGNMENT:
- Read the script for and watch Up, by Bob Peterson and Pete Doctor
- Up to page 60 on your script.
- Assigned students will turn in 50 pages by 11:59 PM on 11/22 in Blackboard on the Discussion Board for all students to download. (Must submit PDF.)
Week 5: “All is Lost” and a “New Plan”
First Class - 11/23
How to end your Act II and start strong in Act III.
Second Class - 11/25
Workshop TWO Works in Progress. (Up to page 50.)
ASSIGNMENT:
- Read the script for and watch The Prestige, written by Christopher Nolan.
- Up to page 70 on your script.
- Assigned students will turn in 60 pages by 11:59 PM on 11/29 in Blackboard on the Discussion Board for all students to download. (Must submit PDF.)
Week 6: Pre-Climax and Climax - Bringing Your Story to a Conclusion
First Class - 11/30
Discuss ACT III with a strong focus on the pre-climax and climax. How to land your story.
Second Class - 12/02
Workshop TWO Works in Progress. (Up to page 60.)
ASSIGNMENT:
- Up to page 80 on your script.
- Assigned students will turn in 70 pages by 11:59 PM on 12/06 in Blackboard on the Discussion Board for all students to download. (Must submit PDF.)
Week 7: Wrap-Up - How Does It All End?
First Class - 12/07
We’ll discuss how to end your script. What happens to your characters? Have you closed all the loops? Tied up all the threads? Or do you even want to do that?
We’ll also discuss outstanding questions about each student’s script as we head into the final week of writing.
Second Class - 12/09
Workshop TWO Works in Progress. (Up to page 70.)
ASSIGNMENT:
- Up to page 90 on your script and beyond if necessary.
- Assigned students will turn in the first draft by 11:59 PM on 12/13 in Blackboard on the Discussion Board for all students to download. (Must submit PDF.)
- First Drafts for all students from weeks 2 through 6 are due by 11:59 PM on 12/09 on Blackboard.
Week 8: Final Workshop and Q & A
First Class - 12/14
Final workshop to discuss TWO students’ scripts (up to page 80.) This will be a thorough workshop utilizing all the knowledge gleaned throughout the class.
Second Class - 12/16
Students will be invited to pose any outstanding questions they have about the business and craft of screenwriting.
ASSIGNMENT:
- First Drafts for all students from weeks 7 and 8 are due by 9 AM on 12/17 on Blackboard.
Additional Information
Syllabus Created on:
10/25/21 1:56 PM
Last Edited on:
10/27/21 11:23 AM