Undergraduate Courses
DWRI 101 Introduction to Dramatic Writing
Through a measured combination of improvisional, scenario-driven writing exercises, free-writing experiences, collaborative explorations, and full-scene/ speech assignments, students will experience and address the fundamental tools of the dramatic writer. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 123.
DWRI 460 Actor/Writer Laboratory
Dramatic Writing students will collaborate with students in Performing Arts in the development and creation of original material based on the performer's original character creations. Writers will pair with actors, creating original written text and then having material performers by the performers in stand up and sketch comedy, and other solo performance genres. The class will culminate in a public performance. Prerequisite(s): FILM 215.
DWRI 495 Dramatic Writing Senior Project
There are two distinct tracks for this course. In one, students are assigned a student director and designers for a full-length play. The group, under faculty mentorship, collaborates through the entire process of rehearsal and production, providing the writer the unique experience of the process revision and collaboration necessary for career preparation. If the student wishes to write a film script, then the writer will be matched with filmmakers and participate fully in the production of a short film. In addition, the writer will polish and prepare scripts to be submitted to agents. Prerequisite(s): FILM 401 or MPRA 375.
Through a measured combination of improvisional, scenario-driven writing exercises, free-writing experiences, collaborative explorations, and full-scene/ speech assignments, students will experience and address the fundamental tools of the dramatic writer. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 123.
DWRI 460 Actor/Writer Laboratory
Dramatic Writing students will collaborate with students in Performing Arts in the development and creation of original material based on the performer's original character creations. Writers will pair with actors, creating original written text and then having material performers by the performers in stand up and sketch comedy, and other solo performance genres. The class will culminate in a public performance. Prerequisite(s): FILM 215.
DWRI 495 Dramatic Writing Senior Project
There are two distinct tracks for this course. In one, students are assigned a student director and designers for a full-length play. The group, under faculty mentorship, collaborates through the entire process of rehearsal and production, providing the writer the unique experience of the process revision and collaboration necessary for career preparation. If the student wishes to write a film script, then the writer will be matched with filmmakers and participate fully in the production of a short film. In addition, the writer will polish and prepare scripts to be submitted to agents. Prerequisite(s): FILM 401 or MPRA 375.
Graduate Courses
DWRI 708 Forms in Playwriting
In this course, students study and analyze theories of dramatic forms and works considered exemplary of those forms. They demonstrate their understanding of dramatic forms by writing works that employ the techniques common to these forms.
DWRI 738 Playwriting
Focused on verisimilitude, this graduate course hones the elements and execution of playwriting to allow student to compose original works for production. Students in this course write a one-act play and two scenarios for full length plays, focusing on realistic dialogue. Prerequisite(s): DWRI 708 or MPRA 728.
DWRI 740 Playwrights, Actors, and Directors Lab
This course is designed to focus on the elements of rehearsal procedures and protocols and the means by which they shape the dramatic writing process. As a practical studio course, students create a dramatic playscript within a collaborative process that result in a performance and a subsequent final draft of a new drama. Prerequisite(s): DWRI 708 or MPRA 707.
DWRI 742 Literary Adaptation for the Stage
Adaptations are a major component of any theatrical season. In this course students assess and analyze an existing literary work for a play, and then adapt that work for the stage. All forms of theatrical adaptation are studied, from dramas and comedies to musicals. Prerequisite(s): DWRI 738.
DWRI 775 Dramaturgy
This course provides the dramatic writing graduate student insight into the art of writing and producing plays by looking at the role of the dramaturge. Focusing on the craft or the techniques of dramatic composition in a holistic sense, students learn the value and importance of their work in the success of a given production within a series of productions. Prerequisite(s): DWRI 708 or MPRA 707.
DWRI 779F Graduate Field Internship
Students in this course undertake a field assignment under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite(s): 15 graduate credit hours, good academic standing.
DWRI 779T Graduate Teaching Internship
Students in this course undertake a teaching assignment under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite(s): 15 graduate credit hours, good academic standing.
DWRI 790 Dramatic Writing M.F.A. Thesis
Emphasis on this advanced course is on the study and application of the art of playwriting. Working through the writing, rehearsal, and editing processes, students develop a full-length play scenario to fulfillment in a produced play.
In this course, students study and analyze theories of dramatic forms and works considered exemplary of those forms. They demonstrate their understanding of dramatic forms by writing works that employ the techniques common to these forms.
DWRI 738 Playwriting
Focused on verisimilitude, this graduate course hones the elements and execution of playwriting to allow student to compose original works for production. Students in this course write a one-act play and two scenarios for full length plays, focusing on realistic dialogue. Prerequisite(s): DWRI 708 or MPRA 728.
DWRI 740 Playwrights, Actors, and Directors Lab
This course is designed to focus on the elements of rehearsal procedures and protocols and the means by which they shape the dramatic writing process. As a practical studio course, students create a dramatic playscript within a collaborative process that result in a performance and a subsequent final draft of a new drama. Prerequisite(s): DWRI 708 or MPRA 707.
DWRI 742 Literary Adaptation for the Stage
Adaptations are a major component of any theatrical season. In this course students assess and analyze an existing literary work for a play, and then adapt that work for the stage. All forms of theatrical adaptation are studied, from dramas and comedies to musicals. Prerequisite(s): DWRI 738.
DWRI 775 Dramaturgy
This course provides the dramatic writing graduate student insight into the art of writing and producing plays by looking at the role of the dramaturge. Focusing on the craft or the techniques of dramatic composition in a holistic sense, students learn the value and importance of their work in the success of a given production within a series of productions. Prerequisite(s): DWRI 708 or MPRA 707.
DWRI 779F Graduate Field Internship
Students in this course undertake a field assignment under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite(s): 15 graduate credit hours, good academic standing.
DWRI 779T Graduate Teaching Internship
Students in this course undertake a teaching assignment under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite(s): 15 graduate credit hours, good academic standing.
DWRI 790 Dramatic Writing M.F.A. Thesis
Emphasis on this advanced course is on the study and application of the art of playwriting. Working through the writing, rehearsal, and editing processes, students develop a full-length play scenario to fulfillment in a produced play.
