ENG 3251 Acting and Screenwriting

Introduction au module

"Learning goals
Welcome to the cinema and theatre world! Our primary goal over the semester will be to watch carefully and analyse David Lynch’s film Mulholland Drive. The course will then go on to present the different basic concepts of screenwriting followed by an application of these theories: indeed, students will write a scene in small groups which will be discussed, criticized, performed in front of the class and possibly filmed. The use of video will help students analyse their performance.
The purpose of the course is to sensitize students to what is being seen on screen and on stage, to stimulate their critical judgement and to learn how to “perform” in front of others. By the end of the course, students should be able to understand how a script is written and to use the language in a more natural way.

Learning objectives

In this course we will study the film Mulholland Drive by David Lynch in order to reach the following objectives :
• To gain a sound general knowledge and open-mindedness which are necessary to any good communicator in today’s working world
• To develop analytical skills by reflecting on the deep meaning of this complex film
• To develop a trained eye by identifying the basic elements of a script, and to apply these concepts to the writing of a scene
• To be able to express oneself in a clear and concise way when explaining the pitch-line of the scenes that have been written.
• To be able to give clear acting directions and comments to other students
• To gain more self-confidence by performing before an audience


Finalités de l’apprentissage

Learners will aim to master the fundamental language of academic English as applicable across a variety of skills and contexts, and work to apply this knowledge in the creation of academic-style documents fit for purpose in an international university. Participating students will be encouraged to apply for an international academic exchange at the end of the first year.

Objectifs de l’apprentissage

Students should be able to:
• Understand the key components of the academic writing genre
• Produce basic academic texts in terms of organisation, patterns of argument, cohesion, formality and process.
• Exercise judgement and flexibility in expressing complex ideas
• Conceive, plan and deliver academic presentations
• Interact effectively in a classroom and seminar setting
• Use techniques to engage in reasoned debate
• Facilitate discussions and show understanding in interpersonal contexts
• Deploy a range of reading techniques to quickly digest large quantities of reading material
• Use a range of appropriate strategies to maintain communication while listening
• Recognise and reuse key vocabulary and language patterns appropriate to an academic context
• Recognise cultural differences with the target culture
• Produce a CV for an international academic application
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