Fall 2007

Writing (CTWR)

• http://cinema.usc.edu/writing
• D class assignments for undergraduates available in SCA335; Phone: (213) 740-3303.
• YOU MUST ATTEND THE FIRST SESSION of each course or you may be replaced by a student on the waiting list, even if you are registered. If you do not register for a class for which you have D-clearance by the registration deadline, your D-clearance will EXPIRE. School of Cinematic Arts "R" courses change to "D" in the third week of classes, and require both instructor and departmental approval.

CTWR 106a: Screenwriting Fundamentals (4.0 units)

A: Introduction to and overview of the elements of theme, plot, character, and dialogue in dramatic writing for film. Open to B.F.A. Writing for Screen and Television students only.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Writing for Screen and Television

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19151D	001	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Thursday	13 of 13	Deborah Baron	LUC308
19152D	001	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Thursday	11 of 13	Paul Koval	LUC308

CTWR 206a: Writing the Screenplay (4.0 units)

Development of synopsis and treatment for a theatrical or documentary screenplay: theme, plot, character, mise-en-scene and utilization of cinematic elements. Filmic Writing students only.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Filmic Writing

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19155D	001	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Tuesday	8 of 9	Paul Wolff	LUC308
19156D	001	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Tuesday	7 of 9	Janet Batchler	VKC255
19157D	001	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Thursday	9 of 9	Howard Rodman	LUC313

CTWR 305: Advanced Screenwriting: The Relationship Screenplay (4.0 units)

An inquiry into the complex nature of human relationships by writing an original feature length screenplay that examines the multi-dimensional world of characters ant the ties that bind them together. Open to B.F.A. Writing for Screen and Television students only.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Filmic Writing

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19160D	001	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Tuesday	9 of 9	Robert Gardner	LUC311
19161D	001	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Wednesday	9 of 9	Benita Garvin	WPH200
19162D	001	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Monday	8 of 8	David Isaacs	LUC311

CTWR 410L: Character Development and Storytelling for Games (4.0 units)

An exploration of characters and story worlds as they relate to gaming with an emphasis on emotionally rich environments in interactive enetertainment. Recommended preparation: CTIN 488

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19163D	001	Lecture-Lab	10:00-12:50pm	Tuesday	8 of 10	Danny Bilson	RZC118
19165D	001	Lecture-Lab	7:00-10:00pm	Thursday	10 of 10	Danny Bilson	CSSG142

CTWR 412: Introduction to Screenwriting (2.0 units)

Introduction to the formal elements of writing the short film.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19167D	001	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Friday	8 of 12	Ronald Friedman	THH105
19168D	001	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Friday	9 of 12	Julie Sayres	LUC308
19169D	001	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Tuesday	11 of 12	James Mc Ginn	VKC210
19170D	001	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Tuesday	9 of 12	David Milton	VKC254
19171D	001	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Thursday	11 of 12	Jason Squire	CTV200
19172D	001	Lecture	7:00-10:00pm	Monday	11 of 12	Frank Mc Adams	THH113
19173D	001	Lecture	7:00-10:00pm	Tuesday	9 of 12	James Egan	THH115
19174D	001	Lecture	7:00-10:00pm	Thursday	9 of 12	Kenneth Cosby	LUC308
19175D	001	Lecture	7:00-10:00pm	Tuesday	11 of 12	Ronald Friedman	VKC111

CTWR 413: Writing the Short Script I (2.0 units)

Preparation of scripts for short films: form, structure, planning.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19177D	001	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Friday	12 of 13	Noreen Stone	LUC207
19179D	001	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Wednesday	11 of 13	Paul Wolff	LUC212
19180D	001	Lecture	7:00-10:00pm	Tuesday	12 of 13	Barbara Greyhosky	THH205
19181D	001	Lecture	7:00-10:00pm	Wednesday	13 of 13	Vincent Robert	THH115

CTWR 414: The Screenplay (2.0 units)

Students study story structure and develop several story outlines, and a short script for possible 480 production. They will also write a detailed, 15-25 page treatment for a feature film.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (CTWR 412 or CTWR 413)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19184D	001	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Monday	8 of 12 (1 on waitlist)	Mann Rubin	LUC308
19185D	001	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Thursday	12 of 12 (2 on waitlist)	Mardik Martin	LUC313
19186D	001	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Monday	11 of 12	Sandra Berg	LUC210
19187D	001	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Wednesday	11 of 12 (1 on waitlist)	Sharon Doyle	LUC313
19188D	001	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Wednesday	12 of 12 (6 on waitlist)	Mardik Martin	LUC308
19189D	001	Lecture	7:00-10:00pm	Monday	12 of 12	Scott Gorden	THH205
19190D	001	Lecture	7:00-10:00pm	Wednesday	12 of 12 (1 on waitlist)	Paul Wolff	THH117

CTWR 415a: Advanced Writing (4.0 units)

Principles of the two-hour story for film and television, creating theme, character and structure that combine into a feature length story.

• Prerequisite: CTWR 414

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19192D	001	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Monday	12 of 13 (4 on waitlist)	Noreen Stone	LUC205

CTWR 415b: Advanced Writing (4.0 units)

Creation of script with extensive workshopping of scenes in class leading to a first draft and revision as a final assignment.

• Prerequisite: CTWR 415A

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19194D	001	Lecture	7:00-10:00pm	Tuesday	5 of 12	Christopher Sturgeon	LUC313

CTWR 416: Motion Picture Script Analysis (2.0 units)

Critical analysis of story structure from classic films to contemporary works. Identification of key story concepts and elements of three-act structure. 2.0, not repeatable.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19196D	001	2.0-4.0	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Monday	15 of 18	Peter Exline	LUC212	Word (27136 KB)

CTWR 418a: Senior Thesis (4.0 units)

a: Creation of feature-length treatment and first draft Senior Thesis screenplay, including "pitching" experiences. B: Completion and revision of Senior Thesis project and introduction to motion picture industry procedures and practices through interaction with industry representatives. Open to B.F.A. Writing for Screen and Television students only.

• Prerequisite: CTWR 305
• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Writing for Screen and Television

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19198D	001	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Tuesday	6 of 7	Janet Batchler	LUC210
19199D	001	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Tuesday	5 of 6	Richard Kletter	THHB9
19200D	001	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Monday	6 of 7	Jack Epps Jr	LUC308
19201D	001	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Wednesday	6 of 7	Thomas Abrams	WPH400

CTWR 421: Writing the Hour-Long Dramatic Series (2.0 units)

Writing an episode of an existing dramatic television series within the hour-long format with an emphasis on conception, pitching, characterization and structure.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (CTWR 206B or CTWR 414 or CTWR 514A or CTWR 529 or CTWR 321)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19203D	001	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Wednesday	5 of 12 (3 on waitlist)	Pamela Douglas	LUC308
19204D	001	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Wednesday	12 of 12 (1 on waitlist)	Michael Cassutt	LUC102
19205D	001	Lecture	7:00-10:00pm	Tuesday	8 of 12 (1 on waitlist)	Lance Gentile	LUC308

CTWR 434: Comedy Writing Genres (2.0 units, max 6)

Exploration into filmic comedy; writing by committee; developing comedic timing; using humor as a style of filmmaking.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (CTWR 206B or CTWR 414 or CTWR 514A or CTWR 529 or CTWR 321)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19207D	001	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Wednesday	3 of 12 (10 on waitlist)	Ellen Sandler	THHB10
19208D	001	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Thursday	10 of 12 (7 on waitlist)	Jim Staahl	LUC308
19209D	001	Lecture	7:00-10:00pm	Wednesday	10 of 12	Jay Moriarty	LUC308
19210D	001	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Wednesday	9 of 12	Jim Staahl	LUC311

CTWR 437: Writing the Situation Comedy Pilot (2.0 units, max 4)

Comedic series television with an emphasis on pilots including descriptions of characters, settings, tone and themes for students' own comedic series which will lead to a pilot script.

• Prerequisite: CTWR 434

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19213D	001	Lecture	7:00-10:00pm	Monday	8 of 12 (2 on waitlist)	Jim Staahl	LUC308

CTWR 439: Writing the Original Dramatic Series Pilot (4.0 units, max 8)

An advanced workshop in which students create an original dramatic series, including a first script and a summary of characters and storylines.

• Prerequisite: CTWR 421

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19214D	001	Lecture	7:00-10:00pm	Wednesday	10 of 10 (2 on waitlist)	Bernard Lechowick	THH121

CTWR 453: Advanced Feature Rewriting (4.0 units)

An advanced workshop in which a feature length screenplay will be rewritten using a specific methodology that focuses on a macro to micro approach to revision.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (CTWR 306 or CTWR 415B)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19217D	001	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Tuesday	7 of 8 (1 on waitlist)	Mark Shepherd	VKC107
19219D	001	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Wednesday	5 of 8	David Isaacs	THHB9
19220D	001	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Wednesday	7 of 8 (4 on waitlist)	Mardik Martin	LUC313

CTWR 459a: Entertainment Industry Seminar (2.0 units)

Examination and analysis of various topics, issues, and resources pertaining to creative, legal, and business perspectives for writers in the entertainment industry.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19218D	001	Lecture	7:00-10:00pm	Thursday	26 of 35	Mikkel Bondesen	LUC313
19221D	001	Lecture	7:00-10:00pm	Thursday	31 of 35	Ronald Mardigian	THH214

CTWR 499: Special Topics (2.0-4.0 units, max 8)

Detailed investigation of new or emerging aspects of cinema and/or television; special subjects offered by visiting faculty; experimental subjects.

Section	Session	Units	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
Writing for Comedy-Variety
19223D	001	2.0	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Wednesday	10 of 12 (4 on waitlist)	Anne Beatts	LUC313

CTWR 513: Writing the Short Script (2.0 units)

Preparation of scripts for short films; dramatic, informational, experimental, and other forms. Open to screenwriting (CNTV) and dramatic writing (THTR) majors only.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Writing for Screen and Television, Theatre (Dramatic Writing)
• Concurrent enrollment: CTWR 514A

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19224D	037	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Tuesday	7 of 8	David Weber	VKC259
19225D	037	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Tuesday	7 of 8	Robert Gardner	LUC308
19226D	037	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Tuesday	7 of 8	Scott Sturgeon	LUC311
19227D	037	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Tuesday	6 of 8	Mark Shepherd	LUC308
19228D	037	Lecture	6:00-8:50pm	Tuesday	7 of 8	Brad Riddell	THH113

Concurrent Course
CTWR 514a: Basic Dramatic Screenwriting (2.0 units)

Dramaturgy for the fiction and nonfiction work. Techniques for creating the original or adapted theatrical length script. a: Emphasizes narrative development, through short scripts, sequences, and story outlines. Open to screenwriting (CNTV) and dramatic writing (Theatre) majors only.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Writing for Screen and Television, Theatre (Dramatic Writing)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19230D	037	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Friday	6 of 8	Mark Shepherd	LUC311
19231D	037	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Friday	7 of 8	David Weber	LUC205
19232D	037	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Friday	7 of 8	Robert Gardner	LUC210
19233D	037	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Friday	7 of 8	Scott Sturgeon	LUC212
19234D	037	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Friday	7 of 8	Brad Riddell	LUC308

CTWR 514a: Basic Dramatic Screenwriting (2.0 units)

Dramaturgy for the fiction and nonfiction work. Techniques for creating the original or adapted theatrical length script. a: Emphasizes narrative development, through short scripts, sequences, and story outlines. Open to screenwriting (CNTV) and dramatic writing (Theatre) majors only.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Writing for Screen and Television, Theatre (Dramatic Writing)
• Concurrent enrollment: CTWR 513

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19230D	037	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Friday	6 of 8	Mark Shepherd	LUC311
19231D	037	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Friday	7 of 8	David Weber	LUC205
19232D	037	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Friday	7 of 8	Robert Gardner	LUC210
19233D	037	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Friday	7 of 8	Scott Sturgeon	LUC212
19234D	037	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Friday	7 of 8	Brad Riddell	LUC308

Concurrent Course
CTWR 513: Writing the Short Script (2.0 units)

Preparation of scripts for short films; dramatic, informational, experimental, and other forms. Open to screenwriting (CNTV) and dramatic writing (THTR) majors only.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Writing for Screen and Television, Theatre (Dramatic Writing)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19224D	037	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Tuesday	7 of 8	David Weber	VKC259
19225D	037	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Tuesday	7 of 8	Robert Gardner	LUC308
19226D	037	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Tuesday	7 of 8	Scott Sturgeon	LUC311
19227D	037	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Tuesday	6 of 8	Mark Shepherd	LUC308
19228D	037	Lecture	6:00-8:50pm	Tuesday	7 of 8	Brad Riddell	THH113

CTWR 515a: Practicum in Screenwriting (4.0 units)

a: Creation of a feature screenplay from presentation through treatment, including some scene work.

• Prerequisite: CTWR 514A

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19237D	037	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Tuesday	5 of 6	David Howard	VKC257
19238D	037	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Wednesday	6 of 7	David Balkan	LUC308
19239D	037	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Wednesday	7 of 7	Howard Rodman	LUC311
19240D	037	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Thursday	6 of 7	David Weber	LUC311

CTWR 515c: Practicum in Screenwriting (1.0 unit)

Supervised preparation of rewrite for the master's writing project, a feature length screenplay. At least three meetings during the term are required.

• Prerequisite: CTWR 515B

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19242D	037	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 5		OFFICE

CTWR 516: Advanced Motion Picture Script Analysis (2.0 units)

Critical analysis of the structure of films from the classics to current award winners. Students will learn how to identify key story concepts and break down three act structure in finished films and scripts.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19244R	037	2.0-4.0	Lecture	1:00-4:50pm	Thursday	38 of 95	Theodore Braun	NCT

CTWR 519a: Thesis in Television Drama (4.0 units)

Part A -- writing the pilot -- is an intensive workshop in which master's students develop an original television 1-hour series including characters, world and storylines for season one. Final assignment is the finished pilot episode of the series. Open to M.F.A. Writing for Screen and Television students only.

• Prerequisite: (CTWR 514B and CTWR 421)
• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Writing for Screen and Television

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19245D	037	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Tuesday	5 of 6	Pamela Douglas	LUC313

CTWR 520: Advanced Scene Writing Workshop (2.0 units)

Intensive workshop oriented specifically to writing and re-writing the most effective and telling dramatic scenes to heighten audience participation and greater story impact.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (CTWR 414 or CTWR 514B or CTWR 529)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19246D	037	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Tuesday	10 of 12 (17 on waitlist)	David Howard	LUC311

CTWR 528: Screenwriting Fundamentals (2.0 units)

Introduction to the principles of screenwriting with special emphasis on story, characterization and dramatization.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19249D	037	Lecture	7:00-10:00pm	Wednesday	13 of 14	Christopher Sturgeon	THH113
19250D	037	Lecture	7:00-10:00pm	Thursday	13 of 14	Donald Bohlinger	THH113
19251D	037	Lecture	7:00-10:00pm	Thursday	13 of 14	Vincent Robert	LUC205
19252D	037	Lecture	7:00-10:00pm	Thursday	13 of 14	Sterling Anderson	THH115

CTWR 529: Intermediate Screenwriting (2.0 units)

Emphasizes structural elements crucial to the feature film. Techniques for creating an original or adapted theatrical-length script.

• Prerequisite: (CTPR 507 and CTWR 528)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19253R	037	Lecture	7:00-10:00pm	Wednesday	6 of 12	Julie Sayres	THH207
19254R	037	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Monday	10 of 12	Gordy Hoffman	THHB10
19255R	037	Lecture	7:00-10:00pm	Monday	13 of 13	David Clawson	THH207
19256R	037	Lecture	7:00-10:00pm	Tuesday	13 of 13	Gabrielle Kelly	THH117
19257R	037	Lecture	7:00-10:00pm	Tuesday	12 of 12	Christopher Lilien	LUC205

CTWR 533a: Writing the Feature Script (4.0 units)

Advanced screenwriting workshop. a: Development of characters and story to complete a treatment and first draft of a feature length script. Recommended preparation: CTWR 516.

• Prerequisite: CTWR 529

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19259D	037	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Monday	10 of 10 (11 on waitlist)	Mary Sweeney	LUC308
19260D	037	Lecture	7:00-10:00pm	Monday	8 of 10 (5 on waitlist)	Barbara Greyhosky	THH209
19261D	037	Lecture	7:00-10:00pm	Wednesday	10 of 10 (4 on waitlist)	Nevin Schreiner	LUC210

CTWR 533b: Writing the Feature Script (4.0 units)

Advanced screenwriting workshop. b: Rewriting the first draft into a second draft through advanced work-shopping of script. A third draft polish is the final assignment.

• Prerequisite: CTWR 533A

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19264D	037	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Tuesday	9 of 9 (7 on waitlist)	Christopher Lilien	LUC205
19263D	037	Lecture-Discussion	1:00-3:50pm	Friday	9 of 9 (6 on waitlist)	Benita Garvin	LUC311

CTWR 553: Advanced Screenwriting (4.0 units)

Advanced feature screenwriting, emphasizing the rewrite of a first draft script.

• Prerequisite: CTWR 533B

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19265D	037	Lecture	1:00-3:50pm	Wednesday	Canceled	Mardik Martin
19266D	037	Lecture	10:00-12:50pm	Wednesday	8 of 8 (5 on waitlist)	Mary Sweeney	SOSB51
19267D	037	Lecture	4:00-6:50pm	Wednesday	8 of 8 (6 on waitlist)	Richard Kletter	LUC210

CTWR 572: Practicum in Directing Actors for Film (2.0-4.0 units)

Seminar in directing actors for film; emphasis on demonstration and laboratory exercises, script analysis, and study and character motivations.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19269D	037	Lecture	9:00-12:50pm	Thursday	31 of 32	Nina Foch	LUC313

CTWR 574: Advanced Seminar in Directing Actors for Film (2.0 units)

Emphasis on detailed script analysis and character motivation. Individual projects.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (CTWR 572 or CTCS 673 or CTPR 532)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
19270D	037	Lecture	9:00-12:50pm	Friday	15 of 30 (16 on waitlist)	Nina Foch	LUC313