1.  Course Goals:

• To develop a basic knowledge of terms, concepts, and theories associated with the study of screenwriting and playwriting
  
• To strengthen general skills in analysis and interpretation and become increasingly able to articulate your thoughts in both speaking and writing
• To enhance your own pleasure as a viewer of movies and plays
  

2.  Grading:      

• work ethic                     30%
• class blog                      20%  
• portfolio/workshop       50%

• All work must be submitted the day it is due.  Failure to do so will result in lowering your work-ethic grade.  You must turn in the final portfolio on the last day of class to pass the course.  Attendance is absolutely mandatory.  Missing class will substantially lower your work-ethic grade.  
  

3.  Class Blog

• You will be expected to keep a blog on which you record your thoughts, feelings, ideas, and responses to your reading and viewing this semester.  We hope that this blog functions as a sort of commonplace book or intellectual journal for you.   You should write about 500 words per week for 15 weeks.  While I recommend Google's "Blogger" site, there are many others that are also free of charge.  

4.  Work Ethic:  Class Attendance, Participation, and Attitude 

• This writing workshop emphasizes class discussion and genial, constructive criticism. Therefore, you need to be in class every time prepared to talk intelligently and passionately.  Absences will seriously hurt your work ethic grade and your ability to make a good grade in this class.    Note:  Upon your 2nd second absence, your final grade will be dropped one letter grade; upon your 3rd absence, you will be dropped from the course with an "F."

•  To prevent distractions, food, drink (except water), cell phones, etc. are not allowed in class.

5.  Final Portfolio

• On Wednesday, December 12 you will turn in your final portfolio which will be composed of all the writing we do in class this semester.  This portfolio should be revised versions of earlier work turned in during the semester.  
• In the portfolio you should have your final project:  a 24-26 page script (either for the theatre or for film) and a revised version of any other script that doesn't become part of your 24-26 page final project.