short-form screenwr & analysis

Description

This is a writing workshop where students will investigate various story-telling styles, structures and techniques, and implement these

analyses in the development of stories written for the screen. Students will also engage with marketing and promotional texts within the

field.

Requisites

Prerequisites:

COMM 1154 Minimum Grade: C and ENGL 1102 Minimum Grade: C

Corequisites:

Contact Information

Instructor: Mo MorganEmail: [email protected]

Office: Humanities 216

Phone: 4042168630

Office hours are held after class or by appt.

Meeting Times

Tues./Thurs. 2:00 - 3:15 pm

Anthropology G-15

Materials

The Short Screenplay: Your Short Film from Concept to ProductionAuthor: Dan Gurskis

Save the Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting That You’ll Ever NeedAuthor: Blake Snyder

SoftwareFree/Affordable: FadeIn, Celtx

I personally recommend FadeIn as the easiest/most hassle-free software for screenwriting. However, Celtx is a web-based service

with several other production features you might use in the future, and which will allow you to work on scripts on classroom

computers. If you do not have a laptop to bring to class, sign up for Celtx. Otherwise, the choice is yours.

Long-term Investment: Final Draft

Buying Final Draft isn’t required but, if you plan on pursuing the art of screenwriting, Final Draft is the industry standard. If you do get

Main Campus · Other · Mass Communications

Short-Form Screenwr & Analysis COMM-3305Fall 2021 Section 01 3 Credits 08/11/2021 to 12/10/2021 Modified 08/17/2021

Short-Form Screenwr & Analysis > Syllabus | Concourse https://westga.campusconcourse.com/view_syllabus?course_id=18293

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mailto:[email protected]


Final Draft, you do not need Final Draft AV for the purposes of this class. Final Draft is pricey; look out for student/special deals.

***You MUST use some form of screenwriting software for script assignments. I will NOT read your script if it is formatted in Word –

it will be a ZERO.***

Laptop or Storage to save any notes taken using classroom computer; A Notebook

if that is your preference, but you must use software for in-class script assignments

Class Screenings Playlist:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwI2WNTP3Uf3l2712ZPyDV1iG1NrWmF-9

Recommended Resources:Write Your Screenplay Podcast: https://www.writeyourscreenplay.com/screenwriting-podcast-jacob-krueger-write-your-screenplay/

Scriptnotes Podcast: https://johnaugust.com/scriptnotes

The Q & A with Jeff Goldsmith Podcast: http://www.theqandapodcast.com/

Script References: Reading scripts will make you better writers. Find some from your favorite films.

http://www.script-o-rama.com

http://scriptcity.com

http://www.simplyscripts.com

http://scriptnotes.net

Outcomes

Welcome, writers! This course is a writing workshop where you will learn storytelling structure and use this knowledge to write cinematic,

televisual, and web-hosted content. Express attention will be given to the technical, structural, and grammatical components of writing.

Short films come in various styles and lengths; they can be a minute, 30-minute-long narratives, short versions of feature film

ideas/concepts, ethereal visual pieces driven by theme – anything goes. In this class, we’ll primarily focus on narrative driven short films.

Beginning with a fundamentally sound premise, this course will introduce you to the art of short film screenwriting. From basic theory to

the formal aspects of premise, structure, character development, conflict, scene development, and dialogue; we’ll examine the principles of

screenwriting for the short film.

I encourage you all to write stories that are meaningful or entertaining to you. Use language, plot points, and story elements that serve your

narrative, but please remain respectful of the diverse cultures, creeds, and ways of being in our world.

Course Objectives:

• Develop the habit of writing creatively.

• Learn the value of rewriting. (Rewriting, and rewriting.)

• Learn the structure of storytelling and its components: active imagery, dynamic characters, cohesive plot.

• Learn to work in the short film format: to be concise, to be economical, and to be a powerful storyteller.

• Learn industry-standard script formatting and practices.

• Learn how to design scripted scenes with a camera in mind.

• To write action directions in proper formatting that pop.

• Learn to write any genre of script with the knowledge of why you are writing what you’re writing.

• Learn to write realistic dialogue that drives every scene forward without delving into *gasp*…exposition.

• Create content that you can shoot.

• Practice self-evaluation and constructive criticism of others’ work for clarity, appropriate style, and grammatical correctness.


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https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwI2WNTP3Uf3l2712ZPyDV1iG1NrWmF-9

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwI2WNTP3Uf3l2712ZPyDV1iG1NrWmF-9

https://www.writeyourscreenplay.com/screenwriting-podcast-jacob-krueger-write-your-screenplay/

https://www.writeyourscreenplay.com/screenwriting-podcast-jacob-krueger-write-your-screenplay/

https://johnaugust.com/scriptnotes

https://johnaugust.com/scriptnotes

http://www.theqandapodcast.com/

http://www.theqandapodcast.com/

http://www.script-o-rama.com/



http://scriptcity.com/



http://www.simplyscripts.com/



http://scriptnotes.net/



• Think critically, creatively, and independently.

• Have fun and express yourself!

Evaluation

CriteriaAssignment Submissions:

• All script assignments must be in proper script formatting. NO WORD DOCUMENTS ACCEPTED FOR SCRIPTS.

◦ Loglines, Treatments, Outlines, or any other assignments can be written in Word.

Not script pages.

◦ For in-class script assignments, bring your laptop or log-in to Celtx via classroom computers.

• Scripts should be exported in PDF format for uploading to CourseDen dropboxes and distribution to classmates. If exporting from

Celtx, double check that proper formatting is retained.

• Assignments are Due in the Dropbox by Class Time (2:00PM) on due dates, with one exception noted in the course schedule

which will be further explained.

• Dropboxes are open for (1) week leading to the assignment due date.

• You must submit your assignments via CourseDen dropboxes and email them to your workshop group when required. I will not

require you to print copies for all group members, but it would benefit you to bring at least one physical copy to class for note

taking during workshops.

◦ Group members must bring their own copy of workshop materials whether electronic or printed prior to workshops.

◦ Especially during this pandemic, sharing materials or reading over same copies is NOT allowed.

• It is your responsibility to both upload your assignments and track what’s missing. I will not follow up on missed assignments

unless stipulated by an accessibility plan or you are given approval to submit a late assignment for a university sanctioned reason

or emergency (documentation must be provided).

• I will not read anything emailed to me unless I ask for it specifically. All assignments must be submitted via CourseDen.

• What is the protocol for a random bear attack? [Read on for the answer.]

• Late Assignments:

◦ Submissions after the due date are considered “Late Assignments” and should be submitted to the “Late Assignments”

dropbox.

◦ Grades will drop 1/3 of a letter grade every day after the due date unless previously approved for a university sanctioned

reason or emergency (documentation must be provided).

◦ You will not receive notes from me on Late Assignments unless you arrange office hours to review it.

If you do not turn a missing assignment in to the “Late Assignments” dropbox within (1) week of the missed due date, it will be graded

as a zero.

Use of Electronics in Class:

• Personal computers are permitted for use only to complete course activities such as note-taking or in-class writing assignments.

If a student is found abusing this rule, they will lose the opportunity to use such devices to the possible detriment of their grade.

• Some screenwriting apps are accessible on cellphones, but I discourage you from using them. Formatting is already tricky, the

small screen may hinder you.

• No recording devices are permitted during class unless specified in an accessibility plan. In such cases, recordings are to be used

for personal study only.

Rules of Workshopping/Discussions:

• This course is structured as a group discussion and group workshop course; therefore, your participation is required.

• We will be watching short films in class and our in-class discussions are integral as we will be referencing these films throughout

the semester. If you miss part or all of a screening in class, it is up to you to screen it yourself (all shorts are currently available

online) and gather notes from classmates to catch up – or attend/arrange office hours.


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• Helping others not only helps them better their work but also helps you understand and better your own.

• When giving notes, the writer’s vision needs to be your guide, not how you would write the story if it were yours. “What if…” is a

powerful tool but use it intelligently, meaning keep it focused on what the writer is trying to accomplish rather than dramatically

changing the narrative.

• In giving notes, first accentuate the work’s positives. Then, if you believe a work has problems, point them out in a constructive

manner. Negative comments are a lot easier to make than positive ones so put in the effort to find the good first.

• Regarding criticism of your own work, start developing presence of mind and dismiss ego. Remember that your instructor and

classmates are commenting on your scripts, not on you. Use their criticism to become a better writer.

Requirements for Writing/Reading Days:

Because this is a hybrid course, and understanding that everyone has their own writing process, I have allotted alternating days

later in the semester for you all to work from home. You will be required to log-in to class online for the duration of our class meeting

time. After attendance is taken and the completion of any planned discussion, you may mute yourself and turn off your camera to

work. It will be up to you to use this time to your advantage.

I will check in periodically to ensure everyone is still present. Please be sure you can hear me and respond by reactivating your camera,

or you will be marked absent.

If accessibility to online classes or steady internet connection are issues for you, please let me know.

BreakdownAssignment Breakdowns:

Participation (5%) – The quality of your learning and that of your classmates’ rest on the amount of effort put into class discussion

and writing critiques. Take advantage of this opportunity to share and learn from one another. In-class assignments also count toward

this grade.

(2) Short Shares (5%) – Each student will present (2) short films of their choosing to the class. We will screen the film and the student

will lead a discussion on the story structure, stand out elements, strategies used by the writer to effectively convey the story, and what

they learned to apply to their own craft. You can browse shorts by searching on various platforms, including:

www.youtube.com

https://www.filmsshort.com/

https://www.shortoftheweek.com/

Each student will write (2) short scripts from concept to final draft, aka Workshop Scripts. Those assignments breakdown as follows:

(2) Premise Loglines, Concepts, Treatments (6% each = 12%) – Students will develop (2) Premise Loglines which they will develop into

full scripts. This assignment must detail: 1. The Premise Logline, 2. Conventional Short or Medium Short, 3. Concept, 4. Treatment.

Treatment should include elements of Three-Part Structure discussed in class (Set-up, Rising Action, Resolution); a few sentences, no

more than a paragraph necessary per segment.

(2) Protagonist Character Treatments (6% each = 12%) – Students will write (2) 1-page Protagonist Character Treatments analyzing

your protagonist: who they are at the beginning, what changes they go through in Act II, and who they are at the end.

In addition:

• For a short narrative, explain how this character treatment dovetails with your overall concept and what your short film is saying.


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http://www.youtube.com/

http://www.youtube.com/





• For a long narrative, explain what the dilemma is for your character and how that dilemma is answered in the final act of the film.

(2) Working Outlines (6% each = 12%) – Students will develop (2) Working Outlines that include the Premise Logline and a complete

and detailed summary of the Main Conflict; the Opening/Set-up and the Inciting Incident aka Plot Point 1; the Rising Action aka Plot

Point II to the Mid-Point; and Climax aka Plot Point 3 to Conclusion. Think “Crisis/Decision/Action” if that fits the style of your story.

[Each plot section should be (1-2) paragraphs]

(2) 1-or-2 Scene Selections (6% each = 12%) – Students will write (2) 1-or-2 Scene Selections or scene sequences from each

workshop script depending on whether short form (1 scene) or long form (2 scenes) narrative.

(2) First Drafts (6% each = 12%) – Students will submit (2) fully realized, first drafts of screenplays demonstrating understanding of all

concepts covered in the course including development, creativity, formatting, and structure elements of story. Students MUST

participate in critiques/table reads and receive feedback; taking time to rewrite their first draft and deliver a more polished second

revision.

(2) Final Drafts (15% each = 30%) – Students will submit (2) fully realized, final drafts of their screenplays demonstrating their ability to

receive and utilize critique to better their storytelling, structuring, and formatting skills.

Schedule

Course Schedule (Subject to Change*):

Aug 11-17- Open Drop and Add Period


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Week 1 Thursday, August 12 – Syllabus and Introductions

Introductions and Expectations

“What is your purpose?” - the guiding question of a short film

Screening: Curfew (content warning: Self-harm, Addiction) & Make Me a Sandwich

Discuss the Long Narrative (Curfew) vs the Short Narrative (MMaS).

For Next Class:

Read: Save the Cat! - Introduction and Chapter 1

The Short Screenplay - Chapter 1 (pgs. 1-9), and Chapter 3

- Prepare some ideas you’d like to develop into your (2) short scripts

Week 2

Tuesday, August 17 – Intro to Basic Story Structure and Logline Development

Conflict: the driving force of your short film

Three-Part Story Structure

Common Act Structures (3, 5, 8)

Crisis/Decision/Action

Screening: Skipped & Dispel (content warning: implied Child Abuse)

The difference between a Concept, Treatment, and a Premise Logline, and how they all fit

together.

Assign Workshop groups. Collect contact info from your group members.

For Next Class:

Read: The Short Screenplay - Chapter 2

Homework: Premise Logline, Concept, Treatment for Workshop Script 1


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Aug 18 - Withdrawal "W" period begins

Thursday, August 19 – Pitching Loglines / Character and Dilemma

Due: Premise Logline, Concept, Treatment for Workshop Script 1

Break into small groups. Present your Premise Logline to your group and receive feedback. After

all members of the group have gone, rewrite and re-pitch.

Screening: Joy (content warning: FGM) & The Elevator

Characters – Core Needs That Drive Character Wants

Dilemmas and Character Arcs

Discuss how to create characters that amp up the conflict and serve your purpose as the

writer/filmmaker.

What is a Character Treatment?

In-class Exercise: How will it all end? – plan the ending to your story

For Next Class:

Read: Save the Cat! – Chapters 3 & 4

The Short Screenplay – Review Chapter 3 (pgs. 58-66)

Homework: Protagonist Character Treatment (1 pg.)


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Week 3

Tuesday, August 24 – Structure: Save the Cat Beats

Due: Protagonist Character Treatment

Present and discuss Character Treatments in workshop groups

Blake Snyder’s Save the Cat! Story Beats and how to use them for short form writing.

Screening: Seafood Tester & Wish 143

Assign “Short Share” Dates

For Next Class:

Read: The Short Screenplay – Chapter 4

Thursday, August 26 – Dialogue

Writing dialogue that propels the story & avoids Exposition

In-class Exercise: Dialogue Prompt

Screening: Next Floor, Whiplash, & The Gunfighter

For Next Class:

Homework:

Read: Save the Cat! – Chapter 5

The Short Screenplay – Chapter 5


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Week 4

Tuesday, August 31 – Working Outlines

Developing a working outline using act structure and story beats.

In-class Exercise: Class Outline Exercise

Screening: Short Shares 1

For Next Class:

Read: The Short Screenplay – Chapter 7

Homework: Working Outline of Workshop Script 1

Thursday, September 2 – Script Formatting

Due: Working Outline of Workshop Script 1

Learning industry-standard script formatting.

In-class Exercise: Formatting Prompt


For Next Class:

Homework: Write 1-or-2 Scene Selections of Workshop Script 1 in proper format

Week 5

Tuesday, September 7 – Writing Day

Due: 1-or-2 Scene Selections of Workshop Script 1


In-class Exercise: Prompt TBA

For Next Class:

Read: Workshop Group Scene Selections, come to class prepared to give notes


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Thursday, September 9 – Workshop Day

Break into Workshop groups to discuss each other’s scenes



For Next Class:

Homework: Rewrite scenes and transition to writing First Draft

Week 6 Tuesday, September 14 – Writing Day



For Next Class:

Homework: Continue First Draft

Thursday, September 16 – Writing Day

Due: First Draft of Workshop Script 1



For Next Class:

Read: Workshop Group First Drafts, come to class prepared to give notes


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Week 7

Tuesday, September 21 – Workshop 1A

Students will workshop each other’s first draft scripts in small groups



For Next Class:

Homework: Final Draft of Workshop Script 1

Thursday, September 23 –



For Next Class:


Week 8

Tuesday, September 28 – Writing Day



For Next Class:



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Thursday, September 30 – Reading Day

Due: Final Draft of Workshop Script 1



For Next Class:

Read: Workshop Group Final Drafts, come to class prepared to give notes

Week 9

Tuesday, October 5 – Table Read 1


Students will table read each other’s’ final scripts in workshop groups for feedback

For Next Class:

Homework: Premise Logline, Concept, Treatment for Workshop Script 2

Wednesday, October 6 - Last day to withdraw with a grade of "W"

Thursday, October 7 & 8 – Fall Break


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Week 10

Tuesday, October 12 – Pitch Day

Due: Premise Logline, Concept, Treatment for Workshop Script 2

Each student will pitch Logline Premise and Concept to class for feedback, edit and re-pitch

In-class: Work on Character Treatment and Working Outline

For Next Class:

Homework: Protagonist Character Treatment & Working Outline of Workshop Script 2

Thursday, October 14 – Writing Day

Due: Protagonist Character Treatment & Working Outline for Workshop Script 2

Discuss CT and WO in small groups for feedback

In-class: Begin writing 1-or-2 Scene Selections

For Next Class:

Homework: 1-or-2 Scene Selections of Workshop Script 2

Week 11

Tuesday, October 19 – Reading Day

Due: 1-or-2 Scene Selections of Workshop Script 2

TBD

For Next Class:

Read: Workshop Group Scene Selections, come to class prepared to give notes


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Thursday, October 21 – Workshop Day

Students will workshop Scene Selections in small groups

For Next Class:

Due: First Draft Scripts for Round 1 of workshops; Sat. Oct 24, 11:59PM

Homework: Read First Draft Scripts for first round of workshops

Week 12 Tuesday, October 26 – First Draft Workshop 1

Due: First Draft Scripts for Round 2 of workshops

First Draft Workshop – Round 1

For Next Class:

Read: Round 2 First Drafts, come to class prepared to give notes

Thursday, October 28 – Writing/Reading Day – [Online]


Week 13 Tuesday, November 2 – First Draft Workshop 2



For Next Class:


Thursday, November 4 – Writing/Reading Day – [Online]



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Week 14

Tuesday, November 9 – First Draft Workshop 3



For Next Class:






For Next Class:




Week 16 Novemebr 22-26 – Thanksgiving Break



For Next Class:

Homework: Polish Final Drafts for Exam Table Readings


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Thursday, December 2 – Writing Day (Last Day of Class) – [Online]


Take this time to edit and rewrite Final Drafts of Workshop Script 2.

I will be in the classroom if you’d like to work/consult with myself or attending peers.

Week 18 Final Exam Table Readings – Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2:00-4:00 PM

Due: Final Draft of Workshop Script 2, 2:00 PM

- Volunteer Final Script Table Readings (Number read will depend on script lengths)

*** Attendance is required. If you miss the table readings, you will lose 50% from your finalscript. ***

*Disclaimer: This syllabus is a general course plan of action. Assignments and screening material are subject to change at the discretion of

the instructor. Please follow the SCHEDULE tab in CONTENT on Course Den for a more up to date version of the schedule week by week.

Course Policies and Resources

Attendance & Participation: Students may miss no more than four (4) days over the course of the semester without receiving penalty.

Thereafter, the student’s final grade will suffer. For example, your 4 absence will result in the devaluation of your final grade and further

absence will result in further action. Students are responsible for obtaining any missed course material from their fellow students. An

absence may be excused if the student presents a doctor’s note or another acceptable form of documentation explaining absence.

Students must arrive to class on time. If you must arrive later than 15 minutes after class has begun, prior notice should be made via email,

or you may text me at the number provided in the event of a documentable emergency and follow up via email with such documentation.

Otherwise, such a late arrival will result in an absence. Please do NOT abuse this privilege. Further, students must come prepared to work

and learn. Performing tasks unrelated to the course during class-time (e.g. sleeping, emailing, surfing the web, not paying attention, etc) will

also result in that student being asked to leave, therefore acquiring an absence.

I expect you to be physically, mentally, and emotionally present during our time together. Your participation is vital to both your success and

your classmates’.

Classroom Etiquette: To create a safe, valued, and expressive academic environment where individual expression and social interchange

are respected, please observe the following guidelines: (1) Students must address each other with respect, even when in debate; (2)

Students must contribute to discussions, without dominating them; (3) Students must stay focused on the topic being discussed.

Extraneous conversations and chatter will be prohibited.

th


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Protocol for the Contract Event: Select a workshop group member to sacrifice to the animal. TYSM

Make-up/Late Policy: All assignments are due in accordance with the Class/Assignment Schedule. Unless arrangements are made prior to

an assignment/test due day, no late assignments will be accepted or make-up work given, resulting in a failing grade. As the instructor, I

reserve the right to not accept late assignments and have final word as to the necessity of make-up work.

Arrangements will only be made to makeup the missed work if a student has a

university-sponsored activity absence or a documented excuse for missing an assignment/test.

Plagiarism: Academic dishonesty, cheating and/or Plagiarism within this class will result in a grade of F for the assignment. Submitting

others’ writing or ideas as your own, without specific citations or references of any kind, is plagiarism and is directly prohibited by the UWG

Student Code of Conduct. I consider it no different from property theft; plagiarism is, by definition, intellectual property theft. Therefore, I

will respond to any instances of plagiarism with the following actions: the student will receive a zero for the assignment; the student will be

removed from class for a day; and a Student Infraction Form will be filed with the Office of Student Development and Enrollment

Management, where it will be reviewed and placed on file with the Dean of Students.

Emailing: Students must check their UWG email EVERY DAY. All class-related updates and changes will be communicated via email – not

checking your email is no excuse for incomplete work. Allow 24 hours for an email response from me. Allow 48 hours over the weekend.

My official email for our correspondence, and the one I will check, is: [email protected]

Academic Advising: Please take advantage of academic advising and correspond / meet with your advisor regularly or as needed as that

you are on track with your academic success. https://www.westga.edu/advising/

Equal Opportunity Statement: No person shall, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability,

age, religion, or any other characteristic protected by institutional policy or state, local, or federal law, be excluded from employment or

participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by The

University of West Georgia.

UWG Common Language + Supplemental Syllabus:

(PLEASE REVIEW – Includes information about Accessibility Services, Tutoring Opportunities, and the Counseling Center)

https://www.westga.edu/administration/vpaa/common-language-course-syllabi.php

College/School Policies

MissionFair, just, and productive societies require the free flow of news, information, and ideas from communicators of knowledge, skill, and

integrity who reflect the diversity of the people they serve. Therefore, the School of Communication, Film, and Media strives to provide

high quality academic and experiential learning opportunities to prepare students for successful integration into the global community

as industry professionals, leaders, and thinkers in the fields of convergence journalism, digital media and telecommunication, film and

video production, and public relations.

Vision


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https://www.westga.edu/advising/

https://www.westga.edu/advising/



The School of Communication, Film, and Media is committed to empowering students to communicate clearly, act responsibly, think

critically, and understand context(s) to enhance their personal, civic, academic, and professional lives, facilitating active participation in

an evolving and increasingly diverse society.

Strategic PrioritiesInvested Teaching

To inspire and equip students to discover their personal, intellectual, and professional potential through personalized teaching,

academic coaching, and career mentoring.

Experiential Learning

To offer students early and on-going multiple and diverse hands-on learning to develop and enhance personal, intellectual, and

professional growth.

Connectedness

To serve as the hub that connects and cultivates partnerships among key stakeholders to enhance personal, intellectual, and

professional growth. Key stakeholders include administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, industry, community, and friends.

Mass Communications Degree Program Learning OutcomesACEJMC Professional Values and Competencies: The Bachelor of Science degree program in Mass Communications is accredited by

the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC), and the School is committed to preparing

students with the requisite knowledge and skills to be successful in the media and communications industries after graduation. The

School has adopted as its Mass Communications degree program learning outcomes ACEJMC’s 12 professional values and

competencies, known as 6 X 6 MASS COMM SUCCESS, that all graduates of an ACEJMC accredited program should be aware of and

able to demonstrate as scholars and professionals in the discipline. For the detailed list of the ACEJMC professional values and

competencies, see the UWG Undergraduate Catalog (https://catalog.westga.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=11&

poid=1991) or ACEJMC - Standard 2. Curriculum and Instruction (http://www.acejmc.org/policies-process/nine-standards/).

6 X 6 MASS COMM SUCCESS

6 X 6 MASS COMM SUCCESS (https://www.westga.edu/academics

/coss/mass-communications/assets

/pics/6x6_MC_Success_Graphic.JPG)

(click to view image)

1. Freedom of Speech & Press

2. History

3. Diversity

4. Global Impact

5. Theory

6. Ethics

7. Think Critically & Creatively

8. Research & Evaluate

9. Write Effectively

10. Self-Evaluate

11. Apply Numbers & Statistics

12. Apply Technology

Film & Video Production Degree Program Learning OutcomesOverview: The Bachelor of Science degree program in Film & Video Production is designed to train graduates in the field who are agile,

adaptable, and able to employ their skills in an array of roles from entrepreneurial content producers to on-set film work, both above

and below the line. It will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the machinery at work behind media production

and distribution, along with a set of tangible, marketable, and transferable skills for an array of positions within the infrastructure of

film and content production. The FVP degree program learning outcomes include:


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https://catalog.westga.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=11&poid=1991









http://www.acejmc.org/policies-process/nine-standards/






https://www.westga.edu/academics/coss/mass-communications/assets/pics/6x6_MC_Success_Graphic.JPG












1. Demonstrate critical thinking, aesthetic awareness and technical proficiency in the production and assessment of audio-visual

film work.

2. Understand all phases and roles of film production in order to help formulate career goals.

3. Understand the various potentials of film as both a commodity for a targeted audience, and an act of authorship and creative

expression.

4. Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples and cultures and of the significance and impact of cinema in a global

society.

Institutional Policies

Academic SupportAccessibility Services: Students with a documented disability may work with UWG Accessibility Services to receive essential services

specific to their disability. All entitlements to accommodations are based on documentation and USG Board of Regents standards. If

a student needs course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability or chronic illness, or if he/she needs to make special

arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, the student should notify his/her instructor in writing and provide a copy

of his/her Student Accommodations Report (SAR), which is available only from Accessibility Services. Faculty cannot offer

accommodations without timely receipt of the SAR; further, no retroactive accommodations will be given. For more information,

please contact Accessibility Services (https://www.westga.edu/student-services/counseling/accessibility-services.php).

Center for Academic Success: The Center for Academic Success (http://www.westga.edu/cas/) provides services, programs, and

opportunities to help all undergraduate students succeed academically. For more information, contact them: 678-839-6280 or

[email protected].

University Writing Center: The University Writing Center (https://www.westga.edu/writing/) assists students with all areas of the

writing process. For more information, contact them: 678-839-6513 or [email protected].

Online CoursesUWG takes students’ privacy concerns seriously: technology-enhanced and partially and fully online courses use sites and entities

beyond UWG and students have the right to know the privacy policies of these entities. For more information on privacy and

accessibility for the most commonly used sites, as well as technology requirements visit the UWG Online

(https://uwgonline.westga.edu/) site.

Students enrolled in online courses can find answers to many of their questions in the Online/Off-Campus Student Guide

(http://uwgonline.westga.edu/online-student-guide.php).

If a student is experiencing distress and needs help, please see the resources available at the UWG Cares (http://www.westga.edu

/UWGCares/) site. Online counseling (https://www.westga.edu/student-services/counseling/index.php) is also available for online

students.

Honor CodeAt the University of West Georgia, we believe that academic and personal integrity are based upon honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and

responsibility. Students at West Georgia assume responsibility for upholding the honor code. West Georgia students pledge to refrain

from engaging in acts that do not maintain academic and personal integrity. These include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating,

fabrication, aid of academic dishonesty, lying, bribery or threats, and stealing.

The University of West Georgia maintains and monitors a confidential Academic Dishonesty Tracking System. This database collects

and reports patterns of repeated student violations across all the Colleges, the Ingram Library, and the School of Nursing. Each

incidence of academic dishonesty is subject to review and consideration by the instructor, and is subject to a range of academic

penalties including, but not limited to, failing the assignment and/or failing the course. Student conduct sanctions range from verbal

warning to suspension or expulsion depending on the magnitude of the offense and/or number of offenses. The incident becomes

part of the student’s conduct record at UWG.

Additionally, the student is responsible for safeguarding his/her computer account. The student’s account and network connection are

for his/her individual use. A computer account is to be used only by the person to whom it has been issued. The student is responsible

for all actions originating through his/her account or network connection. Students must not impersonate others or misrepresent or


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https://www.westga.edu/student-services/counseling/accessibility-services.php






http://www.westga.edu/cas/






https://www.westga.edu/writing/






https://uwgonline.westga.edu/







http://uwgonline.westga.edu/online-student-guide.php







http://www.westga.edu/UWGCares/









https://www.westga.edu/student-services/counseling/index.php






conceal their identities in electronic messages and actions. For more information on the University of West Georgia Honor Code,

please visit the Office of Community Standards (https://www.westga.edu/administration/vpsa/ocs/index.php) site.

UWG Email PolicyUniversity of West Georgia students are provided a MyUWG e-mail account. The University considers this account to be an official

means of communication between the University and the student. The purpose of the official use of the student e-mail account is to

provide an effective means of communicating important university related information to UWG students in a timely manner. It is the

student’s responsibility to check his or her email.

Credit Hour PolicyThe University of West Georgia grants one semester hour of credit for work equivalent to a minimum of one hour (50 minutes) of in-

class or other direct faculty instruction AND two hours of student work outside of class per week for approximately fifteen weeks. For

each course, the course syllabus will document the amount of in-class (or other direct faculty instruction) and out-of-class work

required to earn the credit hour(s) assigned to the course. Out-of-class work will include all forms of credit-bearing activity, including

but not limited to assignments, readings, observations, and musical practice. Where available, the university grants academic credit for

students who verify via competency-based testing, that they have accomplished the learning outcomes associated with a course that

would normally meet the requirements outlined above (e.g. AP credit, CLEP, and departmental exams).

HB 280 (Campus Carry)UWG follows University System of Georgia (USG) guidance: http://www.usg.edu/hb280/additional_information# (http://www.usg.edu

/hb280/additional_information)

You may also visit our website for help with USG Guidance: https://www.westga.edu/police/campus-carry.php

(https://www.westga.edu/police/campus-carry.php)

Mental Health SupportIf you or another student find that you are experiencing a mental health issue, free confidential services are available on campus in

the Counseling Center. Students who have experienced sexual or domestic violence may receive confidential medical and advocacy

services with the Patient Advocates in Health Services. To report a concern anonymously, please go to UWGcares.

ELL ResourcesIf you are a student having difficulty with English language skills, and / or U.S. culture is not your home culture, specialized resources

are available to help you succeed. Please visit the E.L.L. resource page for more information.

COVID-19The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff remain the University of West Georgia’s top priority.

For the most recent information on coronavirus disease (COVID-19) visit:

• UWG's Guidance on Face Coverings (https://www.westga.edu/coronavirus-info/return-to-campus/faq/what-is-the-guidance-on-

the-use-of-face-coverings.php)

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention FAQ (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html)

• Georgia Department of Public Health (https://dph.georgia.gov/)

Additional Items

COMM 3305: Short Form Screenwriting & Analysis

Fall 2021

Syllabus Contract


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https://www.westga.edu/administration/vpsa/ocs/index.php






http://www.usg.edu/hb280/additional_information









https://www.westga.edu/police/campus-carry.php







https://www.westga.edu/student-services/counseling/

https://www.westga.edu/student-services/counseling/

https://www.westga.edu/student-services/health/

https://www.westga.edu/student-services/health/

https://www.westga.edu/uwgcares/

https://www.westga.edu/uwgcares/

https://www.westga.edu/academics/isap/ell-resources.php

https://www.westga.edu/academics/isap/ell-resources.php

https://www.westga.edu/coronavirus-info/return-to-campus/faq/what-is-the-guidance-on-the-use-of-face-coverings.php









https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html






https://dph.georgia.gov/






I, _______________________________, understand and accept the following conditions as part of my participation in this class:

1. I understand that if I engage in academic misconduct I may be subjected to an academic penalty in this course, and that I will be

referred to Student Conduct and Academic Integrity Programs and will incur consequences as mandated by the University, normally in

the form of Disciplinary Probation, Suspension, or Dismissal from the University.

2. Instructors: Please list any specific expectations for academic integrity in your class, such as materials students are/are not allowed to

use in exams, sources students may/may not use in completing assignments, and your policy on working together, as these are some

of the most common violations we see.

3. I will ask for clarification if I have questions or concerns regarding any of the above expectations.

____________________________________________________

SIGNATURE AND DATE

Confirmation Questions:

What is the protocol for a ___________?

1. Event: ____________________________________

2. Protocol: __________________________________


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Documents