Undergraduate Courses
DWRI 101 Introduction to Dramatic Writing
Through a measured combination of improvisational, scenario-driven writing exercises, free-writing experiences, collaborative explorations and full-scene/speech assignments, students experience and address the fundamental tools of the dramatic writer. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 123.
DWRI 460 Actor/Writer Laboratory
Dramatic writing students collaborate with students in performing arts in the development and creation of original material based on the performers' original character creations. Writers pair with actors, creating original written text and then having material performed by the actors in stand-up and sketch comedy, and other solo performance genres. The course culminates in a public performance. Prerequisite(s): FILM 215.
DWRI 495 Dramatic Writing Senior Project
A professional portfolio with material suitable for submission to agents and/or production entities is finalized and career strategy action plan is formalized. Prerequisite(s): FILM 401 or MPRA 375.
Through a measured combination of improvisational, scenario-driven writing exercises, free-writing experiences, collaborative explorations and full-scene/speech assignments, students experience and address the fundamental tools of the dramatic writer. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 123.
DWRI 460 Actor/Writer Laboratory
Dramatic writing students collaborate with students in performing arts in the development and creation of original material based on the performers' original character creations. Writers pair with actors, creating original written text and then having material performed by the actors in stand-up and sketch comedy, and other solo performance genres. The course culminates in a public performance. Prerequisite(s): FILM 215.
DWRI 495 Dramatic Writing Senior Project
A professional portfolio with material suitable for submission to agents and/or production entities is finalized and career strategy action plan is formalized. 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 work considered exemplary of those forms. They demonstrate their understanding of dramatic forms by writing work that employs the techniques common to these forms.
DWRI 738 Playwriting
Focused on verisimilitude, this graduate course hones the elements and execution of playwriting to allow students to compose original work 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 play script within a collaborative process that results 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 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 in 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. Prerequisite(s): Completion of the review for candidacy.
In this course, students study and analyze theories of dramatic forms and work considered exemplary of those forms. They demonstrate their understanding of dramatic forms by writing work that employs the techniques common to these forms.
DWRI 738 Playwriting
Focused on verisimilitude, this graduate course hones the elements and execution of playwriting to allow students to compose original work 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 play script within a collaborative process that results 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 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 in 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. Prerequisite(s): Completion of the review for candidacy.
