Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 University Catalog 
    
2021-2022 University Catalog [Archived Catalogue]

Screenwriting, BFA


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Susan Skoog, Program Director
sskoog@uarts.edu
215.717.6560

C O N T E N T S

Description

The Screenwriting Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program  prepares students to work in feature films, traditional TV, streaming and the web as screenwriters, development executives, producers, and filmmakers. Through a hands-on, progressive course of study, students will explore the art of writing for the screen, hone their voice, and develop the skills needed to sustain a career in the entertainment industry.  Screenwriting students build a professional portfolio of writing samples which includes feature film scripts, original pilots, spec episodes, short films and more. The core of this experience is writing and revising in a workshop environment with close guidance and support from industry-experienced, award winning faculty.

Program Objectives

The Screenwriting program prepares students to:
 
-Craft professional quality, dynamic, and absorbing screenplays for a variety of media that engage readers and audiences with a unique artistic style and voice.
-Generate, discover, and acquire compelling story ideas to develop for motion pictures, television, streaming, and the web.
-Appraise the commercial viability and artistic merit of scripted projects for professional development and prepare commentary and analysis.
-Effectively communicate story ideas and concepts both orally and in writing.
-Collaborate across disciplines, including filmmaking, animation, and gaming, and demonstrate competency in film production practices.
-Recognize the significant historical and contemporary influences of film, television, streaming, and web programming on culture, society, and relevant industries. 
-Analyze current and evolving narrative strategies and their relationship to new distribution technologies.   
Research various sectors of the entertainment industry and construct a sustainable career path.

Program Requirements (120 credits)

Student Selection Courses


Select 4 courses from the following list for a total of 12 credits:

Critical Studies (30 credits)


Composition (6-9 credits)


Students are placed into one of the following composition sequences after the completion of a writing placement exam. Students who do not complete the exam may be placed based on standardized tests scores (if available) or high school GPA.

CRIT Choice (9 credits)


  • Select 3 courses from subject CRIT

Science (3 credits)


  • Select 1 course from subject ANTH, PSYC, SOCI, or SCIE

Critical Studies Electives (9-12 credits)


Students who complete the developmental composition sequence complete 9.0 credits of CS electives; all other students complete 12.0 credits.

  • Select courses from subjects:
    • AHST (Art History), HIST (History)
    • FRCH (French), ITAL (Italian), LITT (Literature)
    • PHIL (Philosophy), RELI (Religion)
    • SCIE (Science)
    • ANTH (Anthropology), PHIL (Philosophy), PSYC (Psychology), SOCI (Sociology)
  • Select courses from  : Art History or Critical Studies Elective.

General Electives (15 credits)


  • Complete 15 credits. This requirement is satisfied by any undergraduate course that isn’t required by the program.

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