Explores the basic theory, form, art and craft of writing for the screen – whether for a feature-length film screenplay, a film short, or a serialized television show. By introducing the essential concepts of classical dramaturgy, mythic structures, hero psychology, comedic premise, and genre, students build a solid grounding in the principles of storytelling including act structure, plotting, scene construction, character arc, tone, mood and theme. By examining popular screenwriting conventions and paradigms as well as rule-bending experiments in storytelling, students learn from both pillars of classic style as well as the cutting edge of the craft. The class lays bare the formal standards for a variety of screen forms including the three-act structure of the feature film screenplay, the four or five acts plus teaser for an hour-long TV series, the three acts plus tag at the end of a half-hour comedy episode, and the TV show bible which isl series guide that allows the writer to explore larger themes, character arcs, and season-long dramatic events. This writing-intensive class approaches screenwriting both creatively and critically with assignments designed to teach aspects of craft and protocols of workshopping and critique. The class proceeds from the premise that students must be able to tell a strong story and by the end of the course, students develop their own concept and write a treatment that they may develop further in either the Film or TV writing track.