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Topics in Media Writing (360-0-22)

Topic

Writing the Coming-of-Age Story

Instructors

Kathleen Whitney Falls

Meeting Info

Annie May Swift Hall 109: Wed 6:00PM - 8:50PM

Overview of class

This intensive writing class will explore the coming-of-age story in its many variations, comic and dramatic. We'll view diverse examples of the maturation plot and discuss the tropes and expectations of this type of story within different genres. We will also explore what makes for an enduring coming-of-age story, one that crosses cultures and resonates decades later. By the end of the quarter, students will complete a plot outline and a minimum of 30 pages of a feature film.

Learning Objectives

Through workshop and classroom discussions students will become familiar with the essential elements of drama; understand how those elements affect an audience and create the dramatic experience; and how to use those elements in their own work to create stories that resonate with a contemporary audience.

Teaching Method

Class meetings will include discussions of concepts pertinent to the genre, analysis of films viewed outside of class, writing exercises, and workshop in which students will read and discuss each other's scene work.

Class Materials (Required)

Access to online films to be viewed outside of class.

Ability to print twelve copies of a 6-page scene every other week.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Students must have completed RTVF 260-0 in order to register for this course (concurrent registration is not allowed) Students must have completed RTVF 260-0 in order to register for this course (concurrent registration is not allowed)