Principles of Playwriting

Catalog description

Structure, dramatic effect, characterization, and dialogue; the writing, reading, and criticism of original one-act plays. THEA 440 Principles of Playwriting (3 per semester/maximum of 6)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. THEA 440 is a course in which students are allowed to explore, deepen, and exercise their understanding of the craft of playwriting. This course is repeatable and taught by one instructor. This course utilizes diverse critical commentary, craft-based texts, and plays that elaborate and illustrate the core writing techniques of structure, dramatic effect, characterization, and dialogue.The writing requirement of the class concentrates on the construction of several ten-minute plays, which are shared in the class as works-in-progress.The students engage with giving and getting constructive criticism inside a safe and nurturing space, and the students work towards articulating and exercising the technical aspects of writing in a clear, concise, and effective manner.