University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 40

ECTS credits : 20

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: Available only to students on MLitt /MFA in Playwriting and Screenwriting

Planned timetable: To be arranged

This module is designed to introduce key playwriting skills as well as writing for younger audiences and radio. There will be focus on new writing, and a particular emphasis on Scottish work and its place within contemporary theatre practice. Seminars will explore technical aspects of playwriting such as setting, character, and dialogue; in addition they will examine how playwrights challenge their audience. There is a growing audience for theatre for children, and the module will look at key practitioners in this area; in 'writing for radio', it will also address the techniques involved in writing for a mass audience. Teaching will be by a) one two hour seminar per week and b) one dramaturgical workshop per week.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2 hour seminar and 2 hour dramaturgy workshop (x 11 weeks), tutorials by appointment

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%


Re-assessment: One new submission equivalent in length and nature to the failed piece of coursework. The piece submitted for reassessment must be entirely new work.

Personnel

Module coordinator: Professor Z K Harris
Module teaching staff: Team taught

Intended learning outcomes

• Display a wide and varied knowledge of playwriting techniques focused on contemporary Scottish work but which also takes in aspects of European and American writing.
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the role of the playwright.
• Demonstrate a working understanding of other aspects of playwriting, such as writing for radio and writing for younger audiences.
• Put this learning into practice in their own work.