Core Module Information
Module title: Unconventional Approaches (Global Online)

SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: SCA11713
Module leader: Chris Neilan
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Screen and Performance
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

Description of module content:

This module guides you to look beyond the conventions of screen storytelling, so dominant in mainstream screen practice, to more innovative, original and unconventional approaches. It equips you with the skills and the knowledge necessary to criticise conventional screenwriting norms and to be more flexible and dynamic in your approach to screenwriting. Through exploring a range of unconventional structures (one act structure, two act structure, passive protagonists, multiple protagonists, modular structures, etc), you will discover the breadth of meanings and effects that can be created through structural choices, as well as exploring the political and social implications of broadly homogenised story form. You will develop analytical skills and experiment with applying unconventional structures in practice. The assessments are designed to enable you to acquire a deep understanding of unconventional structures both from a critical analytical standpoint and in terms of their creative application. This process further develops your cognitive ability to create and shape feature-length screen stories, preparing you for your Major Project.You will develop a critical, deep understanding of screenwriting conventions, how they can limit screenwriting practice, and how screenwriters can empower themselves to move beyond these limitations.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Critically analyse and explain a variety of unconventional narrative structures and the meanings they create.

LO2: Create an outline for an unconventionally structured project that shows critical engagement with the literature of screenwriting theory.

LO3: Evaluate different narratives and the extent to which they adhere to conventional structural norms.

LO4: Synthesise, evaluate and communicate complex information and data in an effective, concise and professional manner.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, Trimester 2, Online (fully o,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Online (fully o
Location of delivery: ONLINE
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Chris Neilan
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Independent Learning Seminar 24 Weekly 2hr synchronous seminars based around collaborative active learning provide you the opportunity to complete problem-based tasks together, and to test key ideas and issues through discussion, debate, presentations and creative tasks.
Independent Learning Guided independent study 170 You are provided set readings, set viewings and individual tasks to be completed asynchronously, and guided to develop your own independent research process.
Independent Learning Lecture 6 Pre-recorded mini-lectures (totalling 30mins each week) guide you through key theories in narrative structure and the unconventional alternatives.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Essay 50 1~3~4 Week 12 , WORDS= 2000 words An analytical essay in which you deeply analyse one type of unconventional narrative structure and the meaning it creates, with specific reference to at least two appropriate screen texts and relevant screenwriting theory.
Project - Written 50 1~2~3~4 Week 13 , WORDS= 3000 words You submit an outline for a creative project (feature film or series pilot) which utilizes an unconventional narrative structure (2000 words). This is accompanied by a critical reflection which utilizes relevant screenwriting theory to explain and reflect upon your creative choices in a scholarly context (1000 words).
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Contact your module leader