Writing the Adaptation (365-0-20)

Instructors

Jessy Lauren Smith

Meeting Info

Annie May Swift Hall 109: Wed 3:00PM - 5:50PM

Overview of class

In this course, you'll explore the strengths and challenges of different forms of writing, and find a scripted form that feels like a promising new home for an existing piece of your own. Reimagine your play as a screenplay, your short story as a scripted podcast, your screenplay as a one-person puppet show, etc., and discover how your work can open up in unexpected ways when adapted into a different form.

Learning Objectives

By the end of class, students will be familiar with the writing techniques and audience expectations for a variety of scripted fiction formats, and will have written and revised an adaptation of their original work into a new format (at least 30 pages + detailed outline).

Evaluation Method

Attendance
Class participation
Films/videos
Homework
Listening exercises
Project, final
Readings
Writing assignments

Class Materials (Required)

Required books: Alison Bechdel, Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic [ISBN: 978-0618871711]; Peter Brown, The Wild Robot (Volume 1) [ISBN: 978-0316382007]; Jonathan Larsen, tick tick ... BOOM!: The Complete Book and Lyrics [ISBN: 978-1557837448]; Marjane Satrapi, The Complete Persepolis [ISBN: 978-0375714832]; Jeanine Tesori, Lisa Kron, Alison Bechdel, Fun Home (book & lyrics) [ISBN: 978-0573704574]; Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Fleabag (play script) [ISBN: 978-1559369855].

Netflix and Amazon Prime streaming access recommended but not required. Other materials will be provided on Canvas.

Computer with word processing software required for assignments, but not for class. (Final Draft or equivalent software is recommended.)

Class Notes

Since this course focuses on adapting your own work, students should already have at least one script or prose piece that they would be interested in adapting to a different scripted format. Future format does not need to be chosen ahead of class.

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.