Topics in Media Writing (360-0-25)

Topic

Writing the Dark Comedy/Satire

Instructors

Erik Gernand

Meeting Info

Annie May Swift Hall 109: Tues 12:00PM - 2:50PM

Overview of class

In the darkest moments, sometimes the only thing you can do is laugh. It can be a survival instinct, but also a weapon to attack injustice. As Hitler rose to power, Charlie Chaplin attacked him with his satirical film The Great Dictator. Emerald Fennel struck at toxic masculinity through a darkly satirical lens in Promising Young Woman. And Justin Simien took on racism on college campuses through his film Dear White People. In this course, students will examine dark comedy and satire in film and use that knowledge to start an original feature-length screenplay of their own.

Learning Objectives

Students will learn to identify the mechanics of dark comedy and satire and apply them to their own writing. Students are expected to write a full outline for a feature film as well as the 30 pages from the script.

Evaluation Method

Attendance
Class participation
Homework
Readings
Writing assignments

Class Materials (Required)

Readings will be made available on Canvas.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Undergraduate students must have completed RTVF 260-0 in order to register for this course (concurrent registration is not allowed). Writing: MFA or Documentary Media: MFA students may register for this course. Undergraduate students must have completed RTVF 260-0 in order to register for this course (concurrent registration is not allowed). Writing: MFA or Documentary Media: MFA students may register for this course.