Topics in Media Writing (360-0-24)

Topic

Writing from Folklore

Instructors

Exal Iraheta

Meeting Info

Annie May Swift Hall 219: Mon 3:00PM - 5:50PM

Overview of class

Writing from Folklore invites writers to explore personal and community-specific folklore as inspiration to craft a new screenplay. We'll start with a dive into the monomyth (hero's journey), discussing why these stories resonate with us and where they come from. Each week we will watch or read stories based on a variety of genres: Horror, Comedy, Cults, Cryptids, Ghost Stories, Fantasy, Traditions, among others. Students will experiment with varied styles and genres and produce a workshopped draft of a 30-page final of a pilot, first act, short film, or play.

Learning Objectives

- Define what Folklore is and its function as community storytelling
- Analyze and research films/shows based on real-world folklore
- Learn how to use "folklore" as a narrative device to inform your story
- Explore personal histories as inspiration for writing
- Draft 30 pages of a feature, short film, or TV pilot

Class Attributes

SoC Additional Distro

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.