Introduction to Screenwriting
UndergraduateCUR-SCA2002025
Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Transfer ideas from your head onto the written page. Consider character motivations as you experiment with their story arcs and relationships. See how scripts use structure, genre, foreshadowing and motifs to create and fuel drama.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 23 Nov 2025
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Price from
- $2,346
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Introduction to Screenwriting
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- identify and apply key technical and creative craft skills and concepts in screenwriting for drama
- analyse a range of screenwriting techniques, elements and approaches
- ability to create a short drama film script by applying relevant screenwriting techniques and story development concepts
- critically reflect on own practice and others.
- Story Instincts & Concepts: Introduction
- Stories on film
- Images, words and sounds
- Narrative structure models
- Theme and plot
- Asking the dramatic question: story premise & action
- Character: point of view, intention and motivation
- Character Arcs & Relationships: dialogue, subtext, performance
- Story Development in the digital era
- Writing Styles & Genre - comedy & tragedy & breaking the rules
- Symbols, Objects & Motifs
- Endings & Beginnings: foreshadowing, set ups & payoffs
The subject examines screening writing techniques and practices in how to develop and create a narrative screenplay for drama production across a range of genres.
Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.
- Online contribution and presentation (40%)
- Digital Story Concept (20%)
- Formal Writing:First Draft Screenplay (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Others
Note: Level 2 subjects normally assume an introductory level of prior knowledge in this area, e.g. from studying related Level 1 subjects or other relevant experience.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
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