LT410-6-FY-CO:
Independent Screenplay Project

The details
2023/24
Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies
Colchester Campus
Full Year
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 28 June 2024
30
04 April 2023

 

Requisites for this module
LT221
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

(none)

Module description

Independent Study is a research project. It gives you an opportunity to pursue a particular enthusiasm that might not be covered in your taught modules, or to take an aspect of a taught module that has caught your imagination a step further, pursuing it in depth; and it offers invaluable training.


It will help you develop a high level of organisation and self-discipline which will be invaluable as you move on to further study and/or employment; it asks for a willingness to focus with determination on one subject for more an extended period of time.


All film students undertake an Independent Study Project (ISP) in their third year, under supervision by a member of staff. Your supervisor will guide you and help you shape your project.


The Independent Screenplay Project is intended to be an investigation into an aspect of cinema and/or related media, with practical, written, and presentation components. It is designed by the student and examined by a screenplay (approx. 90-120 pages) and a 3500-word written dissertation. The project includes an assessed presentation. The autumn term will be led by the module supervisor, with attendance at weekly timetabled classes to support the development of your research. Based on your assessed research proposal, you will be assigned a project supervisor in the autumn term and will be expected to meet twice with them during the autumn, and regularly during the spring term.

Module aims

The aims of the module are to:

1. To enhance screenwriting and storytelling skills through practice and supervised engagement with scholarship and film language.
2. To support the process of screenwriting and scholarly research, encouraging the development of writing skills, research interests, and independent critical thinking.
3. To enhance skills developed during years 1 and 2.
4. To foster independent learning by carrying a significant independent project through the planning, researching and screenwriting processes.
5. Supervision will focus on advising on research materials and resources, ensuring an awareness of the tasks that need to be carried out and making suggestions for time management.
6. To further develop an understanding of the relationship between critical analysis and practice.

Module learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module, students should:

1. Be able to show an appreciation of screenwriting practice from creative and technical perspectives
2. Have a clearer understanding of the screenwriting process
3. Understand key skills refined by reference to film history and film theory
4. Have developed a critical awareness of a range of research methodologies
5. Demonstrate critical and analytical skills/knowledge in understanding of cinema practices and key concepts
6. Have developed their screenwriting skills

Module information

Indicative syllabus:

What is an Independent Project?
Research skills
Preparing for the Proposal
Managing your time
Preparing for the Presentation

Learning and teaching methods

Anticipated teaching delivery: 2 hour lectorial during weeks 2, 3, 4, 5 ,10.

Timetabled tutorials with supervisor in weeks 7, 11, 16, 19, 21, 24

Bibliography

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   500-word Independent Project Proposal    10% 
Coursework   Screenplay (90-120 pages)    45% 
Coursework   Written dissertation (3,500 words)    30% 
Practical   Individual Presentation (10 mins)    15% 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Tasos Giapoutzis, email: tasos.giapoutzis@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Sarah Smyth, email: sarah.smyth@essex.ac.uk.
Various
LiFTS General Office, Tel. 01206 872626 Email liftstt@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
No
No
No

External examiner

Dr Christina Papagiannouli
University of South Wales
Research Fellow
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 44 hours, 34 (77.3%) hours available to students:
4 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
6 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information
Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies

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