Cinematic Arts (CINE)
CINE 730 Intermediate Screenwriting - the Short Film 3 Credit Hour(s)
Utilizing the basic foundation of the core classes, this workshop focuses on the story’s plot construction, as well as in-depth character creation and development. Students will evaluate the expressions of the short film, what makes a short film different than a full-length feature, and the particular craft of short film scripting in both dramatic and comedic structures. Specific emphasis will be placed on theme, scene conflict, and plot twists. Students will be required to write two short screenplays during this course. A portion of this class will be devoted to the short film script market place and the potential that film festivals offer to the new screenwriter.
Offered: Online
CINE 740 Advanced Screenwriting I Feature Film 3 Credit Hour(s)
This advanced level course presses in on the practice of writing the feature-length screenplay. Students will be required to watch a selection of films and read several screenplays in an effort to further understand the aspects of screenwriting. Focus of this course will include cinematic design, character development, dialogue and pacing, scene construction and conflict, three-act structure, plot point outline, and fulfillment of theme. Students will present to the instructor and classmates potential story ideas for an original screenplay.
Offered: Online
CINE 750 Advanced Screenwriting II Feature Film 3 Credit Hour(s)
This advanced course in screenwriting will focus on a more in-depth study of scene work, dialogue, tone, second-act rising action, mid-point, writing cinematically, thinking like an editor, and the pursuit of the hero’s intention. This course will also teach the necessary elements of working with producer's notes, as well as working with directors on revisions and "polishes". Continuing from CINE 650 story outline, students will polish their outline and draft Act One of their screenplay for prep toward fulfillment of screenplay thesis requirements.
Offered: Online
CINE 782 Writing the Documentary 3 Credit Hour(s)
This course is an exploration into the style and technique of writing the documentary film. Students will view, critique, and analyze several documentary films in terms of story content, structure, and ethical considerations in theme conveyance. Theatrics, point-of-view, and cultural purpose will be investigated as students research, create, outline, and draft a documentary script.
Offered: Online
CINE 785 Animation Storytelling 3 Credit Hour(s)
Key aspects of this course will focus on dramatic writing techniques that highlight and support the visual concepts of animation. Students will develop a story concept, thematic values, structure an outline, and write two short animation film scripts. In this workshop students will analyze several short and long form animated films in an effort to establish an understanding of storytelling techniques and their relation to feature film scripts.
Offered: Online
CINE 786 Writing the network/cable movie 3 Credit Hour(s)
This course explores the various television genres as they relate to the changing landscape of made-for-TV movies. Students will examine the uniqueness and differences between the feature film script and the television drama. Key points of study will include the use of act breaks, cliffhangers, genre specific writing, and worldview. Each student will create and write a complete synopsis for a television script and draft one complete outline for a television movie.
Offered: Online
CINE 787 Adaptation from Literature to Film 3 Credit Hour(s)
This study examines the process of adapting literature into feature films. Students will watch several adaptations and read the underlying literary work to understand and evaluate the transformation from page to screen. Each student will choose a piece of literature and write a short film adaptation script in appropriate screenplay format.
Offered: Online
CINE 788 Script Coverage 3 Credit Hour(s)
The studio script reader is one of the most important gatekeepers of the Hollywood film industry. Script readers provide concise, comprehensive story analysis of screenplays that are submitted for consideration to studios, independent producers, talent agents, and directors. This course will examine the craft of writing screenplay coverage in professional industry format. Key elements covered include creating the logline, writing an objective synopsis with content summary, and a final recommendation as to script’s viability of success as a feature film. This class will also cover the prospects for work and avenues of entry into this highly lucrative industry.
Offered: Online
CINE 789 Screenplay Thesis- Workshop Final Project 3 Credit Hour(s)
This intensive workshop is designed to guide the student toward a solid first draft of their original screenplay. During this phase, the instructor and class members will focus the course work on the critical review of the script. In a supportive evaluation, the draft will be analyzed in terms of story structure, character, dialogue, theme, narrative development, plausibility, castability, and marketability.
Offered: Online
CINE 790 Screenplay Thesis - Final Project 3 Credit Hour(s)
The completed and submitted feature-length screenplay in proper script format is required for the thesis final. During this course, the instructor and peers will offer supportive critical analysis of the student’s original screenplay. Students will be required to perform two (2) re-writes on their screenplays based on notes given by the instructor “acting” as producer/director. Final notes will require the writer to perform a final polish to the script. Story, structure, character, tone, dialogue and all other aspects of screenwriting will be evaluated throughout this process and culminate in the submission of a professional feature-length screenplay.
Offered: Online