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Screenwriting (SCWR)

SCWR 230  Write a Movie, Change the World  (3 semester hours)  
Students will learn how to write social issue based, short screenplays. Prerequisite: SCWR 120. University Core fulfilled: Flag: Writing. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 322  Genre Screenwriting  (3 semester hours)  
Elements of writing popular film genres. Prerequisites: SCWR 320. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 501  Fundamentals of Cinematic Storytelling  (3 semester hours)  
Elements of screenwriting as applied to short films intended for production. Corequisites: PROD 500, 541, 566. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Corequisite(s): PROD 500, PROD 541 and PROD 566
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate or Senior.
Students cannot enroll who have a major in Film and Television Production.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 510  Production Fundamentals for Writing for the Screen  (3 semester hours)  
Practical experience in the television development process; includes taking an idea to script and the directing, producing, and post-producing of a short, in-studio multi-camera video project. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate or Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 511  Production Fundamentals for Writing and Producing for TV  (3 semester hours)  
Course centers on understanding the craft of storytelling and character development as probably the most important task at hand when mounting a production and properly servicing the script for the writer, executive producer, and studio. Making wise choices in the areas of camera, lighting, and special effects to non-linear post-production, etc. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate or Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 527  Writing Shorts for Production  (3 semester hours)  
Practical experience in writing production-ready short scripts based on or inspired by their existing feature or pilot TV scripts or for a stand-alone project. Prerequisite: SCWR 501 or SCWR 510 or SCWR 511. Graduate students only. School of Film and Television majors only. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Film and Television Production, Recording Arts, Screenwriting, Writing and Producing for TV or Writing for the Screen.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 530  Developing the Short Film  (3 semester hours)  
Intermediate screenwriting techniques as applied to short films intended for production. Prerequisite: SCWR 501 This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of First Year or Sophomore may not enroll.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 540  Elements of Feature Screenwriting  (3 semester hours)  
Elements of feature film screenwriting related to idea, character, story and structure development, scene and sequence construction, and elements of genres.
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate or Senior.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 541  Writing the Feature Screenplay  (3 semester hours)  
Practical experience writing a first draft feature film screenplay; includes analysis of character development, plot, and story structure.
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of First Year or Sophomore may not enroll.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 550  Elements of Television Writing  (3 semester hours)  
Elements of dramatic writing include emphasis on the television art form and the practical aspects of writing television genres.
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate or Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 551  Feature Screenwriting: Writing and Producing for TV  (3 semester hours)  
Practical experience writing a first draft feature film screenplay; including analysis of character development, plot, and story structure. WPTV majors only. Prerequisites: SCWR 511 and SCWR 550. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing and Producing for TV.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 554  The TV Writers Room  (3 semester hours)  
Students gain practical experience pitching and working in the writers rooms of drama and comedy television series. Prerequisites: SCWR 511 and SCWR 550. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Enrollment limited to students in the School of Film & Television college.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 560  Writing the Feature for Directors  (3 semester hours)  
Practical experience writing a first draft feature length screenplay. Prerequisite: SCWR 501 with a minimum grade of B-. Film and Television Production graduate majors only. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 611  Planning Ahead: Producing Fundamentals  (3 semester hours)  
Practical experience as a producer managing the planning, budgeting, and scheduling of the episodic television art form. Prerequisites: SCWR 511 This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing and Producing for TV.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 620  Writing the Production Thesis Screenplay  (3 semester hours)  
Writing the thesis narrative project and preparing the script for production. Prerequisite: SCWR 530. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Film and Television Production.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 635  Advanced Motion Picture Script Analysis  (3 semester hours)  
Analysis of feature films from the screenwriter's point of view and an in-depth study of each story's dramaturgical elements. This study will deepen the understanding of these principles and techniques for the student's own creative work. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Enrollment limited to students in the School of Film & Television college.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 640  Rewriting the Feature Screenplay  (3 semester hours)  
Practical experience rewriting the feature film screenplay. Prerequisites: SCWR 541. Corequisite: SCWR 650. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Corequisite(s): SCWR 650
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing for the Screen.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 641  Feature Film and Television Adaptation  (3 semester hours)  
Broad survey of the wide range of adaptation concepts, practices, and processes. Prerequisites: SCWR 640. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing for the Screen.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 650  Advanced Feature Screenwriting  (3 semester hours)  
Practical experience writing a feature-length screenplay. Prerequisites: SCWR 541. Corequisite: SCWR 640. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Corequisite(s): SCWR 640
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing for the Screen.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 651  Rewriting the Advanced Screenplay  (3 semester hours)  
Practical experience rewriting the feature film screenplay. Prerequisite: SCWR 650. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing for the Screen.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 660  Writing the Drama TV Series Spec  (3 semester hours)  
Practical experience writing a "spec" episode of a current one-hour drama. Prerequisites: SCWR 510 or SCWR 511; SCWR 540 or SCWR 550. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing and Producing for TV or Writing for the Screen.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 661  Writing an Original Drama Pilot  (3 semester hours)  
Practical experience creating an original one-hour drama series and writing the pilot teleplay. Prerequisite: SCWR 660 or SCWR 670. Repeatable for credit up to 6 semester hours.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing and Producing for TV or Writing for the Screen.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Enrollment limited to students in the School of Film & Television college.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 670  Writing the Comedy TV Series Spec  (3 semester hours)  
Practical experience writing a "spec" episode of a current half-hour situation comedy. Prerequisites: SCWR 510 or SCWR 511; SCWR 540 or SCWR 550. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing and Producing for TV or Writing for the Screen.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 671  Writing an Original Comedy Pilot  (3 semester hours)  
Practical experience creating an original half-hour situation comedy series and writing the pilot teleplay. Prerequisite: SCWR 660 or SCWR 670. Repeatable for credit up to 6 semester hours.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing and Producing for TV or Writing for the Screen.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Enrollment limited to students in the School of Film & Television college.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 675  Rewriting the Television Pilot: Comedy and Drama  (3 semester hours)  
Rewriting original pilot projects so that they are ‘reader ready’ for the industry. Prerequisite: SCWR 661 or SCWR 671 This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing and Producing for TV.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Enrollment limited to students in the School of Film & Television college.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 680  Preproduction for Thesis Project  (3 semester hours)  
A "real life" experience writing and producing a television series; includes adapting the original pilot and pre-producing a short presentation. Prerequisites: SCWR 611; SCWR 661 or 671 This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing and Producing for TV.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 685  The Business of Entertainment  (3 semester hours)  
Classroom lectures, guest speakers, panel discussions from entertainment industry business affairs professionals in the field of artist management, development, financing, and distribution. Prerequisites: SCWR 541 or SCWR 670 or 660. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Enrollment limited to students in the School of Film & Television college.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 690  Thesis Screenplay Project  (3 semester hours)  
Practical experience writing a feature-length screenplay. Prerequisite: SCWR 651 This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 1120  Storytelling for the Screen  (4 semester hours)  
The elements of storytelling as applied to the screen, includes an examination of ethics and learning screenwriting basics by writing a short film script. A minimum grade of B is required for all students in the major or minor.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Enrollment limited to students in the School of Film & Television college.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 1998  Special Studies  (0-4 semester hours)  
Special Elective Topics
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 1999  Independent Studies  (0-4 semester hours)  
Independent Studies based on consent of department chair
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 2220  Feature Story Development  (4 semester hours)  
Practicum in the basics of feature film screenwriting; idea, outline, plot, characterization, and structure. Analysis of scripts. Prerequisite: SCWR 1120 completed with a grade of B (3.0) or higher.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Enrollment limited to students in the School of Film & Television college.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 2525  Wrtg Comedy TV Series Spec  (4 semester hours)  
Practical experience in writing half hour episodic television comedy. Prerequisite: SCWR 1120 Majors/minors only. University Core fulfilled: Explorations: Creative Experience.
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of First Year may not enroll.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
University Core: EXP: Creative Experience  
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 2526  Wrtg the Drama TV Series Spec  (4 semester hours)  
Practical experience in writing one-hour episodic television drama. Prerequisite: SCWR 1120 Screenwriting majors and minors only. University Core fulfilled: Explorations: Creative Experience.
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of First Year may not enroll.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
University Core: EXP: Creative Experience  
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 2527  Writing the Anthology  (3 semester hours)  
Practical experience in writing TV anthology format
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 2998  Special Studies  (0-4 semester hours)  
Special Elective Topics
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 2999  Independent Studies  (0-4 semester hours)  
Independent Studies based on consent of department chair
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 3320  Feature Scrnplay: First Draft  (4 semester hours)  
Practical experience in writing feature film scripts with analysis of plot, character development, and structure. Prerequisite: SCWR 2220 Majors only / Minors only.
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of First Year may not enroll.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 3321  Rewriting Feature Screenplay  (4 semester hours)  
Practical experience in completing or rewriting a feature-length screenplay. Prerequisite: SCWR 3320. Juniors or seniors only. Majors/minors only.
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 3627  Developing and Writing the Short Film  (4 semester hours)  
Elements of screenwriting as applied to short films intended for production. Prerequisite: SCWR 1120.
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Film and Television Production or Television Production.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 3810  Entertainment Business Affairs and Marketing Strategies  (3 semester hours)  
An immersive exploration into the dynamic business facets of "Show Business" within the entertainment sphere. Each week will explore a different part of the Entertainment industry, including Gaming, Development, Streaming, the history of the business, guilds and virtual production and entertainment marketing.
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior, Sophomore or Senior.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 3811  Motion Picture Analysis  (3 semester hours)  
An in-depth study of thirteen diverse films, from classics to modern masterpieces, from studio films to independent films to foreign films
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 3813  Writing and Producing with AI  (3 semester hours)  
A deep dive into the intersection of technology and entertainment and focus on developing, writing, producing, and distributing original content.
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Film and Television Production or Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 3814  Advanced Scene Writing  (3 semester hours)  
Practical experience in advanced scene writing
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 3815  Writing Dramatic Podcast  (3 semester hours)  
Practical experience in discussing, developing, and scripting original audio fiction projects. The primary emphasis is on learning the tools needed to craft a compelling narrative tailored for the audio medium.
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 3820  Writing the TV Pilot: Drama/Co  (3 semester hours)  
Practical experience in writing the original television pilot comedy or drama. Prerequisite: SCWR 2525 or 2526 Juniors or seniors only. Majors/minors only.
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 3829  Directing for Screenwriters  (3 semester hours)  
A practical and collaborative workshop intended to give screenwriters an understanding of the craft and art of directing actors and help the student develop a working methodology for directing scenes. Prerequisites: SCWR 2220 Majors only. Lab fee required.
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 3840  Video Game Writing  (3 semester hours)  
Students will learn about the various challenges that videos game writers face and how the game writing craft diverges from traditional storytelling to create its own dynamic art form.
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of First Year may not enroll.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 3998  Special Studies  (0-4 semester hours)  
Special Elective Topics
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 3999  Independent Studies  (0-4 semester hours)  
Independent Studies based on consent of department chair
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 4420  Senior Proj: Feat or TV Pilot  (4 semester hours)  
Specially directed projects in writing for film, television, or other media from initial concept through finished form. Prerequisites: SCWR 3321. Majors only.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 4421  Rewriting Senior Writing Project: Feature  (4 semester hours)  
Practical experience revising the senior project draft. Prerequisite: SCWR 4420 or SCWR 4440 or SCWR 4450 Screenwriting majors only.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 4428  Adaptation: Source to Screen  (4 semester hours)  
Practical experience in translating books (novels and/or non-fiction) into film scripts. Prerequisite: SCWR 2220.
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 4440  Senior Project: Feature  (4 semester hours)  
Specially directed projects in writing for film, television, or other media from initial concept through finished form. Prerequisites: SCWR 3321. Majors only.
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 4441  Rewrtg Senior Project: Feature  (4 semester hours)  
Practical experience revising the senior project draft. Prerequisite: SCWR 4420 or SCWR 4440. Screenwriting majors only.
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 4450  Senior Project: TV Pilot  (4 semester hours)  
Specially directed projects in writing for film, television, or other media from initial concept through finished form. The student must provide a professional copy of all senior thesis-level projects to the school of film and television in partial fulfillment of degree requirements. Prerequisites: SCWR 3321 and either SCWR 2525 or SCWR 2526 Majors only.
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 4451  Rewrtg Senior Project: TV  (4 semester hours)  
Practical experience revising the senior project draft. Prerequisite: SCWR 4420 or SCWR 4450. Screenwriting majors only.
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 4627  Writing Shorts for Production  (3 semester hours)  
Practical experience in writing production-ready short scripts based on or inspired by their existing feature or pilot TV scripts or for a stand-along project. Prerequisite: SCWR 2220 or SCWR 3627. Juniors or seniors only.
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Animation, Film and Television Production or Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 4810  Playwriting  (3 semester hours)  
Students will write and rewrite two short plays, and participate in a structured writers room. Examples of monologues and short plays will be analyzed and screened.
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 4811  Writing for Late Night TV  (3 semester hours)  
This course will teach students how to construct monologue jokes, develop topical pitches and desk piece ideas, and write sketches. By the end of the term, they'll leave with a professional-quality submission packet for applying to late-night shows.
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 4812  The Essentials of Pitching  (3 semester hours)  
This course will teach students effective pitching of ideas and professional presentation. The curriculum will encompass sales techniques applicable to both in-person and virtual settings, as well as the specific content, length, and visual components of successful pitches. Prerequisite: SCWR 1120.
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 4816  Creating Reality TV  (3 semester hours)  
Students will analyze Bachelor and Bachelorette “cultural dates” for storytelling, production and editing techniques before casting, shooting and editing an LMU campus dream date reality TV show segment. Prerequisite: SCWR 1120.
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 4817  Worldbuilding 101  (3 semester hours)  
Practical course for students to hone their world building skills across many genres and forms and have the chance to develop their own unique, fictional world.
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 4818  Writing Animated TV  (3 semester hours)  
In this course, students will develop their own original animated TV series concept and write the script for a pilot based on this idea. Students will gain insights into various aspects of writing for animated television, encompassing both creative and business perspectives. Prerequisite: SCWR 1120.
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 4819  Writing Comics and Graphic Novels  (3 semester hours)  
In this course, students will learn the craft of sequential storytelling, the collaborative process of working with artists and publishers, and how to navigate the marketplace of comics and adaptations.
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 4820  Writing the Comedy Web Series  (3 semester hours)  
This course offers students practical experience in developing and writing short form comedy pilot scripts, focusing on character development, breaking story, emotional throughline, and joke writing.
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 4998  Special Studies  (0-4 semester hours)  
Special Elective Topics
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 4999  Independent Studies  (0-4 semester hours)  
Independent Studies based on consent of department chair
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Screenwriting.
Enrollment is limited to Undergraduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 6681  Post-Production Thesis Project  (4 semester hours)  
A "real life" experience writing and producing a television series; includes producing and post-producing pilot presentation and a final professional presentation to an audience and faculty committee. Prerequisite: SCWR 680.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing and Producing for TV.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 6690  Thesis Screenplay Project  (4 semester hours)  
Practical experience writing a feature-length screenplay. Prerequisite: SCWR 651
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing for the Screen.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 6691  Rewriting Thesis Screenplay Pr  (4 semester hours)  
Practical experience rewriting a feature film screenplay. Prerequisite: SCWR 6690.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing for the Screen.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 6692  Feature & TV Portfolio Wrkshop  (4 semester hours)  
Develop new or continue to work on previously written material to raise the quality of portfolio to industry standard; includes preparing marketing materials for projects. Prerequisite: SCWR 680 or SCWR 6690.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing and Producing for TV or Writing for the Screen.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 6800  Special Studies  (0-4 semester hours)  
Special Elective Topics
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing and Producing for TV or Writing for the Screen.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 6810  Playwriting  (3 semester hours)  
Students will write and rewrite two short plays, and participate in a structured writer’s room. Examples of monologues and short plays will be analyzed and screened. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing and Producing for TV or Writing for the Screen.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 6811  Writing for Late Night TV  (3 semester hours)  
This course will teach students how to construct monologue jokes, develop topical pitches and desk piece ideas, and write sketches. By the end of the term, they'll leave with a professional-quality submission packet for applying to late-night shows. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing and Producing for TV or Writing for the Screen.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 6812  The Essentials of Pitching  (3 semester hours)  
This course will teach students effective pitching of ideas and professional presentation. The curriculum will encompass sales techniques applicable to both in-person and virtual settings, as well as the specific content, length, and visual components of successful pitches.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing and Producing for TV or Writing for the Screen.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 6813  Writing and Producing with AI  (3 semester hours)  
A deep dive into the intersection of technology and entertainment and focus on developing, writing, producing, and distributing original content.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing and Producing for TV or Writing for the Screen.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 6814  Advanced Scene Writing  (3 semester hours)  
Practical experience in advanced scene writing
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing and Producing for TV or Writing for the Screen.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 6816  Creating Reality TV  (3 semester hours)  
Students will analyze reality TV dating shows “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette,” create a campus dream date show segment, and develop their own reality TV show concept with a sizzle reel and pitch deck. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing and Producing for TV or Writing for the Screen.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 6817  SS: Worldbuilding 101  (3 semester hours)  
This course will equip students with the methods, devices, and techniques necessary to construct compelling worlds for stories and characters. Throughout the course, students will refine their world-building skills across various genres and forms, culminating in the creation of their own unique, fictional world. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing and Producing for TV or Writing for the Screen.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 6818  Writing Animated TV  (3 semester hours)  
In this course, students will develop their own original animated TV series concept and write the script for a pilot based on this idea. Students will gain insights into various aspects of writing for animated television, encompassing both creative and business perspectives. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing and Producing for TV or Writing for the Screen.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 6820  Writing the Comedy Web Series  (3 semester hours)  
This course offers students practical experience in developing and writing short form comedy pilot scripts, focusing on character development, breaking story, emotional throughline, and joke writing. The course will also simulate a TV writer's room, providing students with opportunities to pitch ideas, receive feedback, and collaborate with others to position themselves for success in the evolving entertainment industry. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing and Producing for TV or Writing for the Screen.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 6825  Adaptation for WPTV  (3 semester hours)  
This course explores the process for choosing and adapting pre-existing source material to the screen. By examining what works and what does not work in various adaptations, students will learn how to approach source material and develop their own unique perspective. Students will complete a final adaptation project of a first act for a feature or a television pilot based on material in the public domain. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing and Producing for TV.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 6826  Writing the Feature for Directors  (3 semester hours)  
Practical experience writing a first draft feature length screenplay. Prerequisite: SCWR 501 Film and Television Production graduate majors only. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Graduate level students may not enroll.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 6827  Writing Shorts for Production  (3 semester hours)  
Practical experience in writing production-ready short scripts based on or inspired by their existing feature or pilot TV scripts or for a stand-alone project. Prerequisite: SCWR 501 or SCWR 510 or SCWR 511. Graduate students only. School of Film and Television majors only. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Enrollment limited to students in the School of Film & Television college.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 6830  Genres of Horror  (3 semester hours)  
This class uses horror films to explore the concept of humanity. It covers topics like the protagonist's desires, the role of the monster, and the evolution of the genre. Students will analyze films, identify key influences, and examine themes like rites of passage and the female body. The class will culminate in writing an outline and the first act of a screenplay or pilot that reflects on the human condition through the lens of fear. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Students cannot enroll who have a major in Writing and Producing for TV or Writing for the Screen.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 6840  Producing - Marketing - Selling Independent Features  (3 semester hours)  
This course focuses on the later stages of film production, including packaging, finance, sales, and marketing. Students will come to class with their well-developed project and will examine films in the marketplace, the work of marketers and distributors, using case studies and hands-on exercises. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing and Producing for TV or Writing for the Screen.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 6841  Film and TV Development  (3 semester hours)  
This course teaches students how to analyze and create concepts for TV and film, providing an overview of the entertainment industry and how to sell ideas. Teams will be formed to develop and pitch original comedy and drama TV shows and film concepts. Additionally, students will research and report on the needs of film studios and TV buyers. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Writing and Producing for TV or Writing for the Screen.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 6842  Developing, Selling and Monetizing Digital  (3 semester hours)  
This course explores the changing world of television through the development of digital distribution, branded entertainment, and web series. Students will develop their own idea which will then be developed into a pitch. The semester will culminate in showing and pitching their web series or alternate digital content to branded and digital buyers. This course may not be repeated for degree credit.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 6998  Special Studies  (0-4 semester hours)  
Special Elective Topics
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit  
SCWR 6999  Independent Studies  (0-4 semester hours)  
Independent Studies based on consent of department chair
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Grading: Standard Grade (primary), Audit, Credit/No Credit