Topics in Media Writing (360-0-20)
Topic
Writing Unreliable Narrators
Instructors
Ariel Michel Stess
Meeting Info
Annie May Swift Hall 219: Mon 12:00PM - 2:50PM
Overview of class
Narrators who are unreliable are a fixture in contemporary storytelling. How can we use our
characters' flawed and often untrustworthy perspectives to create suspenseful dramatic and
comedic works? In this class, students will use unreliable narration to write a compelling tv pilot,
short screenplay, or one-act play.
Registration Requirements
Completion of RTVF 260 - Foundations of Screenwriting
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to do the following:
1. Develop an original tv pilot, short film, or one-act play
2. Develop complex unreliable narrators
3. Create dynamic action and suspenseful and/or comedic storylines
4. Develop collaborative skills that serve writers within a workshop and writers' room setting
Teaching Method
The course will be workshop-centered with a focus on developing collaborative skills within a
writers' room-style environment. Each student will create characters and design stories that
generate suspense or humor through unreliable narration. There will be weekly assignments,
which include writing assignments, readings, presentations, and viewing films/television.
By the end of the quarter, each student will have created a complete short film, tv pilot, or oneact
play (22-30 pages). Graduate students may write up to 60 pages.
Class Materials (Required)
• Subscription or access to Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Hulu
• Readings will be posted on CANVAS
• Internet access, NU email/account, and screenwriting software or word processing
program
• Access to computer/laptop for writing/formatting scripts, completing writing
assignments, viewing films, and reading
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Students must have completed RTVF 260-0 in order to register for this course (concurrent registration is not allowed) or students in Writing: MFA or Documentary Media: MFA programs