RTV142 - Script Writing

Subject Title
Script Writing

Subject Description
The backbone of all media is the script. Without a strong script communication is difficult if not impossible. In all media writing the storyline or narrative must clear. But in writing for Visual Media there must be a strong awareness of the power of the Image. In Writing for Visual Media not only are storylines important but how the story and story line is visualized is also paramount.
Writers must learn to think visually, allowing images to tell the story as much as allowing voice-over, dialogue, narration or talking heads to tell the story or carry the storyline. A scriptwriter has to understand the power of pictures. This understanding must begin at the concept stage If a scene can be told with pictures there is no need for narration etc. If images are self-explanatory there is no need for narration or dialogue to repeat the obvious.
Writing for Visual Media will explore the various forms of visual writing ? whether writing for television news, documentaries, newsmagazines or film or TV dramas - on screens large and small as well as the Internet. The student will be expected to understand how scripts/narratives and images work together. RTV142 Writing for Visual Media will prepare the student to understand the process of writing for visual media.
All students are expected to participate in class discussions, put forward their ideas, and, during debates and discussion, respect the ideas of fellow students even when there is philosophic disagreement.

Credit Status
Journalism Diploma Program

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

Students will:

1. Critically assess various non-fiction formats in TV
2. Write proposals for current affairs; documentary and dramatic scripts
3. Consider a wide variety of sources for non-fiction TV programming
4. Write a singly, fully-fleshed out proposal for a non-fiction or reality based fictional TV ?one-of? drama or continuing series
5. Understand the nature of adaptation in scriptwriting
6. Evaluate drama
7. Utilize scriptwriting software as required

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.