powered by
Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation
Introduction to Screenwriting
Course: CRW190

First Term: 2025 Fall
 Lecture   3.0 Credit(s)   3.0 Period(s)   3.0 Load  
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S - Standard Load


Description: Overview of screenwriting elements and introduction to screenwriting techniques.



MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Describe the history and development of screenwriting. (I)
2. Identify methods used by various storytelling mediums: plays, fiction and other literature, and film. (I)
3. Evaluate the most common structures of screenplays in modern film, including the three-act structure. (II)
4. Explain the relationship between character and plot in a story. (III)
5. Analyze storytelling concepts as they apply to screenwriting, including dialogue, setting, tone, theme, and genre. (IV)
6. Apply a sound writing process in the development of a screenplay. (V)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.
 
MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. History of storytelling using various mediums
   A. Plays
   B. Fiction and other literature
   C. Film
II. Three-act structure
   A. Setup
      1. Where to begin story
      2. Inciting incident
   B. Confrontation
      1. Rising conflict
      2. Plot points
   C. Resolution
      1. Denouement
      2. Where to end story
III. Character and plot
   A. Character development
   B. Plot based on character choices
IV. Tools of screenwriting
   A. Dialogue
   B. Setting
   C. Tone
   D. Theme
   E. Genre
V. Screenwriting process
   A. Idea
   B. Logline
   C. Premise
   D. Treatment
   E. Step outline
   F. Revision and workshop
 
MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: October 29, 2024

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.