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Mission Statement:
Our mission is to serve as a leading center of Christian thought and action providing an excellent
education from a biblical perspective and global context in pivotal professions to equip Christian leaders
to change the world.
COURSE SYLLABUS
SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION & THE ARTS
DEPARTMENT OF CINEMA-TELEVISION
SSW 512 (On-Campus)
Writing the Short Film
Fall 2012
Course Location: COM 151
Course Meeting Time: Wednesdays, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Instructor: Andrew Quicke
Phone 757-352-4226 Fax 757-352-4275
E-mail: [email protected]
Office Hours M T W 10:00 am-11:50 am & by appointment
Office location: COM 259
All students are required to read and have a thorough understanding of the syllabus. Any
questions or concerns need to be addressed to the instructor.
Regent University, SSW 512 (Campus) Course Syllabus 2
SECTION 1 - OVERVIEW
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Examination of the special circumstance of the short film script (less than 45 minutes running
time). Students learn the narrative conventions of this format and write two film scripts through
multiple drafts.
RATIONALE AND COURSE OVERVIEW
Rationale: Screenwriters are the most important people when it comes to choosing how
Hollywood reflects and informs contemporary popular culture. Sadly, we see carnality and
materialism strongly reflected in much Hollywood output, but there are many exceptions to this
generalization.
Faith and Learning: As a screenwriter, you can be part of a team of Christian writers who are
working to reverse this trend without becoming “preachy” in the process. In terms of the
integration of our faith and our learning, the foundations of our belief in Christ are both implicit
and explicit in our writing. This, as all courses in the School of Communication and the Arts, is
ultimately concerned with how the committed Christian can blend his/her faith with what they
learn here. Especially of concern is how the issues raised by this course are to be considered in
comparison to your own a priori world view. You will be urged to consider all readings,
screenings and discussions in light of your own Christian faith. Scripture Theme: My heart is
stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful
writer. (Psalm 45:1)
Course Overview: The short film form is a great place to begin your journey into filmmaking.
Whether you are a writer, director, producer, editor or researcher, the more you know how a story
is formed from beginning to middle to end the better you will be in becoming an effective
storyteller.
In this class, we will:
Explore ways in which narrative short film scripts are created at the script level. While
this style of film is generally less than 30 minutes in length, we will be looking at 5
minute, ten minute, and one longer screenplay, the maximum length for student short
narrative films being 30 minutes. You will write three scripts during the semester,
starting with a very short single scene script and developing from that point. The best
scripts will be forwarded to the production classes for students to make your work on
video or film, if you so desire, and they of course have the right to select or reject your
work.
Examine why certain types of script are preferred as against others for student short
films, but you are free to write in any genre we choose, and we will consider the
whole question of genre from the wider feature film length perspective.
End with a discussion of marketing techniques and the ever-changing environment of
writing for film and video.
PREREQUISITES
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Regent University, SSW 512 (Campus) Course Syllabus 3
DEPARTMENTAL DEPARTMENT OF CINEMA-TELEVISION PROGRAM OUTCOMES
1. Christian Worldview: Biblically-based exploration of the impact of cinema-TV on the audience
and/or creators.
2. Academics: to maintain a creative educational experience where students learn through
scholarship and the creation of artistic projects that examine and reflect our ever-changing
industry.
3. Christian Community: to foster an environment in and out of the classroom that promotes the
principles of a Christian community.
4. Global Competence: To teach the biblical and professional principles of faithful stewardship
through scholarship and practice.
PROGRAM GOALS
MFA in Cinema-Television:
Christian Worldview. Outcomes: Students will demonstrate the ability to integrate & apply
the Christian faith & biblical principles to the study & practices of mediated communication.
Professional Artistry Outcomes: Students will articulate their personal artistic “voice” and
mastery of the production process as evidenced by excellence in their creative works.
Techniques (within majors):
o Producing: Students will demonstrate mastery of cinema and television producing,
which includes the development of leadership and stewardship skills within a
spiritual, social, cultural, and global framework.
o Directing: Students will demonstrate mastery of cinema and television directing, in
storytelling, pre-visualization, production design, casting & performance,
cinematography, audio, post-production, and the application of Christian leadership
skills to the directing process.
o Script & Screenwriting: The student will demonstrate mastery of script &
screenwriting for television, cinema, & stage-plays, in idea, story, & character
development, narrative strategies, format & scene construction, pitching &
marketing, and the application of Christian leadership to the script & screenwriting
process.
MA in Communication:
Christian World-View Students will demonstrate the ability to integrate & apply the Christian
faith & biblical principles to the study & practices of mediated communication.
Academics Students will demonstrate knowledge of relevant communication theories related
to the study of film & television.
Artistic Practice (within concentrations) Students will demonstrate proficiency and excellence
in the rigorous exploration and application within their chosen artistic concentration:
o Producing: In the logistics of a film/TV production, including story and production
development, pre-production, scheduling & budgeting, legal issues & business
development, post-production, distribution, and the application of Christian
leadership to the producing process.
o Directing: In storytelling, pre-visualization, production design, casting &
performance, cinematography, audio, post-production, and the application of
Christian leadership skills to the directing process.
o Editing: In post-production – including non-linear, story structure, workflow,
acquisition, sound design, compositing, media formats & technology, graphics,
mastering, production process, and the application of Christian leadership in the post-
production process.
o Critical Studies: In the historical-critical analysis of film and television. This will
include mastery of classical, contemporary, and international research methods,
Regent University, SSW 512 (Campus) Course Syllabus 4
critical writing, understanding and application of relevant theory and histories
(national and international), all combined with an understanding of the Christian
world-view.
o Script & Screenwriting: In idea, story, & character development, narrative strategies,
format & scene construction, pitching & marketing, and the application of Christian
leadership to the script & screenwriting process.
COURSE OUTCOMES
Students will work toward a clear delineation of both good and evil characters in different genres.
o By completing assigned readings in this category.
o By creating their own short screenplays in the genre of their choice.
Students will be able to highlight aspects of their faith in dramatic screenplay situations.
o By completing the assigned writing exercises and discussing each other’s work.
o By being challenged to locate and contextualize redemptive and pro-social values within the
narrative paradigm of short film media experiences.
Students will understand the dramatic structure of the short film, the importance of dialogue, and
the critical tools required to assess good screen writing.
o By completing assigned readings in this category.
o By creating and using the tips, tools, and techniques encountered in the course and receiving
peer feedback on their work.
Students will be able to research, structure and write short film treatments.
o By utilizing the examples of narrative structure provided in both the literature and films
encountered/discussed in the course.
o By discovering the kind of discipline it takes to apply creative ideas and make them work “on
the page”.
Students will write 4 screenplays, with approximate lengths of 5, 10 and 15+ minutes.
o By completing all written script work as assigned.
o By practicing the disciplines of the writing craft first-hand, especially the process of rewriting
their own creative work.
Students will have extensive practice working in correct screenplay format using professional,
industry-standard screenplay software.
o By creating their own short screenplays with emphasis upon originality and execution of the
idea “on the page,” through first-hand experience using one or more of the industry software
packages required for this course.
o By demonstrating proper and imaginative use of the basic narrative and screenwriting
techniques (i.e., act structure, character, dialogue and elements of proper formatting).
Regent University, SSW 512 (Campus) Course Syllabus 5
SECTION 2 – COURSE REQUIREMENTS
REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS
Textbooks
Cowgill, Linda. Writing Short Films: Structure and Content for Screenwriters. Los Angeles,
CA: Lone Eagle Publishing 2005. ISBN-13: 978-1580650632.
Johnson, Claudio Hunter. Crafting Short Screenplays that Connect, 3rd Edition. Focal Press,
2009. ISBN-13: 978-0240812144.
Trottier, Dave. The Screenwriter’s Bible: A Complete Guide To Writing, Formatting, and
Selling Your Script, 5th Edition. Los Angeles, CA: Silman-James Press, 2010. ISBN-13: 978-
1935247029.
The School has partnered with the Regent Bookstore to have textbooks available for purchase for all
students, including distance students. Items may be ordered using the secured online catalog found at
www.regentbookstore.net.
Screenwriting Software
Every year I have students ask me about using Celtx Software and other “free-ware” programs. Other
faculty may permit this, but here's my policy:
I discourage use of all non-industry and public domain formats since they are unreliable, the
formatting layout does not hold cross-platform, and I (mainly) want my students to become
familiar with the software packages in use by professionals who work in Hollywood. If you want
to "work" in the industry someday (as I am sure all of you do), then consider it an investment in
You, Inc. It is no different than buying animation, editing, and production, budgeting or
scheduling software for your other courses. These are simply the tools of our trade. Consequently,
it is VERY important that students obtain access to ONE of the two industry standard
screenwriting program LISTED BELOW in order to complete class requirements (writing of
scripts). I expect you to have access to one of these programs by the time our course begins.
(Note: To get the academic/military discount, you will be asked to provide proof of current full
time enrollment in a college or university (or record of military service) before it will ship. This
will take a little extra time, so plan your purchase timeline accordingly to ensure you have your
software before class begins):
MovieMagic Screenwriter 6 (or higher)
MovieMagic development suite is now the software of choice at Amblin, Carolco,
Disney, Fox, HBO, MGM/UA, NBC, New World, Orion, Paramount, Tri-Star, and
Warner Bros.
Online vendors:
o Writer’s Store
Regent University, SSW 512 (Campus) Course Syllabus 6
o Academic Superstore
o Amazon
-OR-
Final Draft 8 (or higher)
“Final Draft software is the #1-selling scriptwriting program for
screenwriters, TV writers, playwrights, and writers of new media and is also
the industry standard for scriptwriting. It seamlessly formats your script as
you type. Tab and Enter keys make formatting your script a snap, and
automatically appear at page breaks where needed. Join the ranks of
Hollywood’s most notable writers and use your creative energy to focus on
the content while Final Draft takes care of the style” (Final Draft website)
Online vendors:
o Writers Store
o Academic Superstore
o Amazon o Final Draft
NOTE: "Demo" (trial) versions of MovieMagic and Final Draft software are not good because the files
cannot be shared, uploaded to Bb. You must pay to license the product before you can create, share
and upload files for grading purposes on Blackboard. Believe me, other students have tried this – it
does not work! Don’t let your grade suffer needlessly. I also suggest your order early and set aside
time to become familiar with the features and benefits of your formatting software. These programs are
not difficult to master (on a basics level), but a day spent with the program before the course begins
should boost your confidence immensely. Thanks for taking care of this ahead of time, along with your
textbook orders!
Recommended Resources:
Additional Materials (e.g., PowerPoint lectures, links, multimedia resources, and the like) can be
found on Blackboard in the form of e-Handouts. Students are responsible for knowing this
information and materials distributed through Blackboard. Please get in the habit of checking
your “Course Resources” and “Week-by-Week” menus often.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Expectations for students:
Students complete their weekly assignments as posted/directed in Blackboard. Students are
expected to check the Announcements section of Blackboard each week beginning two weeks
before the start of the course. Students must keep their e-mail address current in Blackboard.
Further, all email boxes should be kept well under “quota” by regularly archiving or emptying
unanswered mail, mail left in message folders, etc. Students are expected to check their Regent
e-mail daily to ensure timely receipt of messages from the professor. Please use your regent.edu
address, as it appears in Genisys, when corresponding with your professor. (Outside email may
become lost in my SPAM folder!). If you have problems and/or are not able to login, send an e-
mail to [email protected]. Describe the problem in detail and include your full name, your
Blackboard User Name, Password, Regent e-mail address, and telephone number(s). Or, for faster
service, you can contact the Help Desk/IT department at 757.352.4076 if you are experiencing
computer related problems.
Regent University, SSW 512 (Campus) Course Syllabus 7
Note on required viewings:
All films are freely available (to class members only) by streaming from Blackboard. If you
prefer not to view “R” rated films, an alternative list of PG rated pictures is upon request. Please
understand that we only choose “R” rated films when we want to demonstrate important aesthetic
and technical aspects of filmmaking.
Participation expectations:
Your discussion posts should be insightful, in addition to regular and timely (no later than
11:59 pm each Tuesday) consisting of 100-150 words based upon the assigned reading(s) and
any required exercises due for that week.
Your response posts (respond to 2 different classmates each week) via “threaded” should also be
insightful and timely (no later than 11:59 pm each Sunday) consisting of 50-75 words each.
During weeks when your short scripts are due (see “Class Schedule” below), your “response”
posts will be a critique of classmates scripts. Since this is a graduate level course & “notes” drive
so much of the film business, learning to give/receive feedback is an important part of your
professional development as a writer. Note: To ensure everyone receives adequate peer feedback,
I may assign “writing partners” for critique after the roster has settled.
Grade Requirements
1. Self –introduction (no points, but required)
2. 5 weekly discussion posts synthesizing the week’s reading total 15%
Due Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24, & Oct 1
3. Discovery screenplay and revision total 10%
Due September 12
4. Decision screenplay and revision total 10%
Due September 19
5. Boxing Match scene outline, screenplay & revision total 20%
Due October 24
6. Long-Short screenplay outline, screenplay total 20%
Due November 14
7. Long-short Screenplay rewrite total 10%
Due November 21
8. Originality & participation total 15%
Grand Total 100%
Grade Percentage
A 96–100
A- 93-95
B+ 90-92
B 85-89
B- 81-84
C+ 78-80
C 75-77
Penalties for Late Assignments Deadlines are important in this industry and for this course. Points lost for late submissions are as
follows:
Less than 24 hours late: Loose one letter grade.
24 hours - 1 week: Loose two letter grades.
1 week or more late: Will not be graded.
Regent University, SSW 512 (Campus) Course Syllabus 8
Rubric for Writing a Screenplay Synopsis
As a reflection of the overall quality, dedication to craft and degree of seriousness of the student’s
approach to each script – including and especially the way meaning is structured and perceived in the
screen image – these points will be awarded at course end based upon development of:
Premise: A) Is it clear early-on where each story is going?
B) Is it coming into focus or does it wander about? Can we “hear” the
logline?
C) Does the writer give us a reason to care about what’s going in each piece
attempted? Hook us?
Story: A) Has the writer presented a conflict and does it build to a dramatic
climax?
B) Is it interesting? Too slow? Are there enough twists and turns? Over-use
of flashback, gimmicks, or other devices?
C) Is the action focused? Does it move the story forward? If it’s a genre
piece, does the writer appear to understand the conventions of the
particular genre s/he is working within?
Theme: A) Does there appear potential for larger connection with the audience?
B) Does the script offer Christian or pro-social commentary, including any
unique perspective on the issues?
C) Human interest/value?
Production Value: A) Is there commercial value, marketability associated with the piece, or
potential to go forward as a “classy” student film project? Can we “see”
the poster?
B) If used, are FX appropriately “seeded” as integral part of the story? Do
they help to drive the narrative forward, or do they feel clichéd like they
are simply throw-in?
C) Would we pay money to see this film shown at the NARO? Would others
(student producers and directors) likely want to make this film?
Regent University, SSW 512 (Campus) Course Syllabus 9
Rubric for Screenplay Structure (5 criteria)
Excellent
Points: 18-20 Good
Points: 16-17 Fair
Points: 14-15 Poor
Points: < 14 Points for
Section
A. Thesis or
Organizing
Principle
Screenplay
includes a focused,
polished thesis or
sophisticated
organizing
principle, and
develops a
convincing position
or compelling,
unified expression
of meaning, as
appropriate to the
assignment.
Screenplay
includes an
appropriate,
focused thesis or
organizing
principle, and
develops a clear
position or unified
expression of
meaning, as
appropriate to the
assignment.
Screenplay includes
a thesis or
organizing principle
and develops a
position or clear
narrative, although
the
position/expression
of meaning might
not be exceptionally
focused, polished, or
convincing.
Screenplay lacks
an evident
organizing
principle or thesis
statement and fails
to adequately
develop a
convincing
position or unified
expression of
meaning.
Comments: [Instructor comments here]
B.Organizatio
n,
Development
and Support
Screenplay
demonstrates
exceptional critical
thinking skills and
includes well-
chosen, effective
supporting
information or
narrative/creative
details. This
evidence is
organized and
presented
persuasively,
coherently and
logically, with one
point leading
smoothly to the
next.
Screenplay
demonstrates
strong critical
thinking skills and
includes good
supporting
information or
narrative/creative
details. This
evidence is
organized and
presented logically
and coherently,
within an
appropriate plan
of organization.
Screenplay
demonstrates some
critical thinking
skills and includes
adequate supporting
information or
narrative/creative
details. This
evidence is
organized and
presented logically,
within an observable
plan for
organization. There
may be some logical
fallacies, points left
underdeveloped, or
some ineffective
narrative/creative
development.
Screenplay fails to
demonstrate
adequate critical
thinking skills or
include enough
supporting
information or
narrative/creative
details. This
evidence or
development is
presented
haphazardly or
illogically or
ineffectively.
Comments: [Instructor comments here]
C. Christian
Perspective
Screenplay
demonstrates a
mature, informed,
and well-
developed
Christian
perspective
Screenplay
demonstrates a
thoughtful and
informed Christian
perspective
The essay
demonstrates a basic
Christian
perspective,
although the
reflection or
application of that
perspective may not
be fully developed
or appropriately
informed.
The essay fails to
demonstrate an
appropriate
Christian
perspective.
Comments: [Instructor comments here]
Regent University, SSW 512 (Campus) Course Syllabus 10
Excellent
Points: 18-20 Good
Points: 16-17 Fair
Points: 14-15 Poor
Points: < 14 Points for
Section
D. Style and
Academic
Credibility
Screenplay
demonstrates a
polished and
effective writing
style and
format. The tone
and vocabulary are
most appropriate
for the audience,
topic, and
purpose. The
Screenplay
conveys an
effective, distinct
author’s voice.
The screenplay
thoughtfully
integrates sources
well-chosen for
the assignment
and applies them
with credibility
and insight.
Screenplay
demonstrates an
effective writing
style and
format. The tone
and vocabulary are
appropriate for the
audience, topic,
and purpose. The
screenplay
conveys an
effective, author’s
voice. The
screenplay
integrates sources
appropriate for the
assignment and
applies them with
credibility.
Screenplay
demonstrates a
suitable writing style
and format. The tone
and vocabulary are
appropriate for the
audience, topic and
purpose. The
Screenplay the
reader some sense of
the author’s voice.
The screenplay
integrates sources
appropriate for the
assignment, although
they may not always
be used with
credibility or insight.
Screenplay fails to
demonstrate an
effective writing
style and
format. The tone
and vocabulary
are inappropriate
for the audience,
topic, and
purpose. The
screenplay fails to
give the reader
some sense of the
author’s voice.
The screenplay
fails to integrate
sources
appropriate for the
assignment or
applies them
without
credibility.
Comments: [Instructor comments here]
E. Mechanics/
use of correct
screenplay
formatting
The Screenplay is
free of errors in
formatting &the
convention of the
English language.
The screenplay is
mostly free of
errors in
formatting & the
convention of the
English language.
Although the
screenplay may
contain some errors
in formatting and the
convention of the
English language, it
will be free of
egregious
grammatical errors.
The screenplay
includes multiple
errors in
forematting & the
convention of the
English language,
and some of these
errors are
egregious.
Comments: [Instructor comments here]
Total Points:
Overall
Comments:
[Instructor comments here]
Regent University, SSW 512 (Campus) Course Syllabus 11
Grading Rubric for Discussion Board Post
Score of 100: Complete, timely, insightful, well-supported, and well-written. Demonstrate a
mastery of the principles laid out in the text and show evidence of a significant effort to bring
those principles to the specific assignments.
Score of 90: Timely, thoughtful, clear, and adequately supported. Meet required length and
criteria of the assignment. The prose style is clear and polished. The applications of principles
from the text are sound.
Score of 80: Complete, timely, and show genuine knowledge of the readings. Meet required
lengths and assignment criteria. Prose style is clear although perhaps not as polished or tight as
posts earning a score of 65 or 70. The discussion is based on an understanding of the text,
however does not demonstrate an extremely careful reading of the details of the text, and so some
principles have not been considered.
Score of 70: Rushed or are not based on an understanding of the readings. May not meet the
required deadlines, word counts, or assignment criteria. May be vague or unclear and so fail to
show a genuine knowledge of the reading material. May not meet the quality required for college-
level and professional writing or the writing was posted far after the required deadlines.
Score of 60: Does not fulfill the basic requirements for the assignment.
Score of 0: Discussion was not posted.
Blackboard Grade Book
Marks will be regularly posted in Blackboard. If you disagree with a grade, you have an absolute
right to advise me of any mistakes, but you should tell me this within 2 weeks of receiving the
grade. No points will be given to assignments submitted outside of Blackboard.
Deadline for submission of any assignment is 6:00 am on the date listed.
Penalties for Late Assignments
Deadlines are important in this industry and for this course. Points lost for late submissions are as
follows:
Less than 24 hours late: Loose one letter grade.
24 hours - 1 week: Loose two letter grades.
1 week or more late: Will not be graded.
NOTE: As tragic as it may be, on many levels, losing computer access – a crashed computer hard
drive, or “thumb drive” – will not excuse lack of participation in the course. All monetary burden
and responsibility for computer equipment, maintenance, and viable online access are borne by
the student. You should locate and familiarize yourself with the campus computer labs and/or
your local library.
Regent University, SSW 512 (Campus) Course Syllabus 12
COURSE SCHEDULE WEEK BY WEEK
(Reminder: Deadline for submission of any assignment is 6:00 am on the date listed.)
August 22 – August 28
Reading:
Johnson Chapters 1-5.
Trottier Book 3. This may seem like a lot to grasp in a single week, but it is critical to all of your
writing.
August 29 – September 4
Reading:
The Discovery in Johnson 63-77
Kosher in Johnson 129-136
Cowgill Chapters 1 & 2
Assignment: Students will write a short screenplay under 5 minutes with emphasis upon originality and
execution of the idea “on the page,” demonstrating proper and imaginative use of basic narrative and
screenwriting techniques (i.e., structure, character, dialog, and formatting).
September 5 – September 11
Reading:
Cowgill chapters 3 & 4
My Josephine in Johnson 137-148.
Assignment: Re-rewrite the Discovery screenplay
September 12 – September 18
Reading:
A Work in Progress in Johnson 78-86
Johnson 149-158
Cowgill Chapter 5 & 6
Assignment:
Write the Decision screenplay: Students will write a short screenplay under 10 minutes with
emphasis upon originality and execution of the idea “on the page” (i.e., form and content),
including the demonstration of all proper and imaginative use of basic narrative and screenwriting
techniques (i.e., structure, character, dialog, and formatting).
September 19 – September 25
Reading:
Cowgill Chapters 7 & 8
Lena’s Spaghetti in Johnson 159-187
Assignment:
Rewrite the Decision screenplay: Students will re-write their short screenplay under 10 minutes
with emphasis upon originality and IMPROVED execution of the idea “on the page,” based upon
feedback gleaned from the Instructor and their peers.
September 26 – October 2
Reading:
Johnson 87-101
Cool Breeze & Buzz in Johnson 188-208
Cowgill Chapters 9 & 10
Assignment:
Write Boxing Match screenplay outline
Regent University, SSW 512 (Campus) Course Syllabus 13
October 3 – October 9
Reading:
Cowgill Chapter 11
The Making of Killer Kite in Johnson 209-238
Assignment:
Submit Boxing Match screenplay
October 10- October 16
Reading:
Johnson 102-111
Slow Dancin’ Down the Aisles of the Quickcheck in Johnson 239-274
Assignment:
Submit revised Boxing Match screenplay
October 17- October 23 (NOTE: No campus meeting on October 17th
)
Reading:
Catch up on reading and screenwriting
October 24 – October 30
Reading:
Johnson 112-126
Trottier Book 4
Assignment:
Begin Long-short screenplay outline
October 31 – November 6
Reading:
Trottier Book 5
Assignment:
Write long-short screenplay scene outlines
November 7 – November 13
Assignment:
Submit long-short screenplay
November 14 – November 20
Assignment:
First revision of long-short screenplay
November 21 – November 27 (Note: No campus meeting on November 21st)
Assignment:
Second revision of long-short screenplay (hard deadline; no extensions)
November 28 – December 4
Class discussion topic:
Discussion of marketing short screenplays
December 5
Class discussion topics:
Final round-up
Future writing including writing for television
Regent University, SSW 512 (Campus) Course Syllabus 14
SECTION 3 – POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Submission of Assignments All assignments (unless otherwise instructed) for this course should ALWAYS be submitted via
the appropriate upload link found in Blackboard found in the Week-by-Week folder. Directions
for using Blackboard can be found found under “Help” tab in the “Getting Help” section.”
Note: If at any time Blackboard is down, you are not able to upload your assignment, or you have
any other Blackboard problems, call the Regent IT Helpdesk at 757-352-4076 for trouble-
shooting. For system-wide problems, I will be notified and will extend deadlines as appropriate.
NO ASSIGNMENT WILL BE ACCEPTED VIA SUBMISSION THROUGH ANY OTHER
CHANNEL EXCEPT BLACKBOARD.
For assignments other than screenplays, all submitted assignments should be in Microsoft
Word (.doc and .docx). No other file types will be accepted. It is your responsibility to check that
the file can be opened in MS Word before submitting through Blackboard. If I cannot open the
file, I will enter a grade of “0” for that assignment. Mac users need to be particularly vigilant, as
file conversions are not always successful. Please check your converted files before submitting to
Blackboard.
File naming convention: Save your assignments in Word with the following file name
[YourLastName_AssignmentName]
For example: Doe_Long-ShortScreenPlay.docx (the file extension (.docx) will be
automatically assigned by MS Word)
Document structure: In the header section, place your last name in the upper right-hand
corner followed by a comma and the page number. For example: Doe, 1
For your screenplay assignments, All scripts/screenplays should be submitted in either
MovieMagic or FinalDraft file format. Adobe PDF) format will not be graded.
File naming convention:
[YourLastName_AssignmentName_ScriptTitle]
For example: Doe_Long-ShortScreenPlay_DangerZone.[file extenson] (the file
extension will be automatically assigned by the scriptwriting software)
Attendance & Participation Policy
Regent University recognizes the importance of class attendance and participation for students’
learning. While attendance alone does not guarantee learning, engagement with the class through
regular attendance and participation is essential to learning, both to the individual student and to
the class itself as all benefit by others’ contributions. At Regent University, class attendance,
understood as the act of being present, is considered to be separate from participating in the class,
understood as active engagement through discussion and other forms of interaction. Both are
valuable to student learning.
University Withdrawal
Students who have not attended or logged into a class, will, at the end of the second week of the
session/semester—in accordance with university practice—be assumed to have unofficially
dropped and will be administratively dropped from that class.
University Academic Honor Code
Students are on their honor to complete assignments with honesty and integrity. Academic
dishonesty involves intentionally or unintentionally stealing the intellectual property of others.
Regent University, SSW 512 (Campus) Course Syllabus 15
Students are expected to be familiar with the university’s policy on academic integrity found in
both the University Student Handbook and to follow it. As an academic and Christian
community, Regent University takes seriously the call for integrity and penalizes breaches of
academic integrity.
Students should be aware that submitted papers may be checked using Safeassign (Blackboard’s
plagiarism detection feature. This feature will determine the percentage of the submitted paper
that matches other sources and will generate a report. Scores below 15% include quotes and few
common phrases or blocks of text that match other documents, these papers indicate no evidence
of the possibility of plagiarism. Scores between 15% and 40% include extensive quoted or
paraphrased material or may include plagiarism and will require further review. Scores over 40%
indicate a high probability the text in the paper was copied from other sources and should be
reviewed for plagiarism. The professor or instructor will contact the student if plagiarism is a
concern.
Emailing Your Instructor
The subject line of all e-mail messages related to this course should include the course number
(e.g., SSW 512) and the name of the student (Example, SSW 512_JohnSmith). Following these
directions enables the professor to quickly identify the student and course, facilitating a timely
response. Students should always include (“sign”) their first and last name at the end of all e-mail
messages. Because instructors often need to reach students, all students are required to keep their
mailing address, e-mail address, and telephone numbers up-to-date in GENISYS. Always use the
regent.edu email account and/or Bb “Communication” platform.
Confidentiality and FERPA.
All Blackboard postings are confidential to our class and may not be shared with others. Material
may NOT be placed on You Tube or similar social networks without prior permission from
Regent University and the instructor. Under FERPA rules, grades are confidential to the student
concerned and cannot be given to outsiders.
Sickness or Bereavement
Sickness and Bereavement are legitimate reasons for failing to turn in a paper on time, providing
you inform your professor as to what is happening. Normally a one or two week grace period can
be given. Serious long term sickness must be discussed on a case-to-case basis, since if you fall
far behind it may become impossible to catch up and you should withdraw from the course.
Financial penalties may apply to late withdrawal.
School of Communication General Statements
As should be expected, particularly at a Christian University, students will adhere to the highest
standards of academic honesty. This includes avoidance of plagiarism, defined as the uses of
written and oral words of another person, including another student, without the expressed
acknowledgement of the writer or speaker’s indebtedness to that person. This also applies to the
use of papers or other materials previously submitted for grading purposes to instructors of other
classes, either at Regent University or other institutions. Any violation of this policy will
normally result in failure of the course. Be aware that we conduct computer generated random
tests for plagiarism.
Incomplete Grades Policy
Students desiring an incomplete must submit their request to the course instructor and academic
dean prior to the end of the term. An incomplete grade will be given in a regular course only for
legitimate deficiencies due to illness, emergencies or extraordinary reasons acceptable to the
professor, including equipment breakdown or shortages, and not because of neglect on the
student’s part. Incompletes require the final approval of the school dean or his/her authorized
Regent University, SSW 512 (Campus) Course Syllabus 16
representative. A regular grade will be given by the instructor if all requirements for the course
are submitted by the end of the following academic term. The instructor will submit the new
grade to the Registrar’s Office no later than two weeks after the beginning of the subsequent
term. If all work is not submitted by the end of the term following the granting of the incomplete,
a grade of FX (NP for pass/fail courses) will be posted automatically unless a Request for
Extension of Incomplete has been approved and submitted to the Registrar’s Office. The FX shall
be counted as an F in the computation of the GPA. Any student desiring reinstatement to the
course after an FX or NP has been posted must register for the course in a subsequent term and
pay the full current tuition for the course.
In Progress Grades
In Progress grades shall be given when work is not completed by the end of the term for the
following academic work: independent studies, internships, practica, portfolios, theses and
dissertations. An IP is also an appropriate grade for courses in which the completion of course
requirements for ALL students extends beyond the academic term in which the course is offered.
An IP may be continued to a maximum of two terms when the student requests and extension and
the approved form is submitted t the Registrar’s Office prior to the end of the first term. If the
requirements for removal of the IP grade are not completed by the end of these two terms. A
grade of FX (NP for pass/fail courses) will be posted automatically. Exceptions may be made for
dissertations, which may continue without penalty. Any student desiring reinstatement to the
course after an FX or NP has been posted must register for the course in a subsequent term and
pay the full current tuition for the course.
Student Feedback
At or near the end of the course students will receive an opportunity to evaluate the course
content and teaching via a formal internet evaluation form. Students are invited and encouraged
to meet with the professor at any time during the semester.
University Policies and Resources
Please review the following links for important information on University policies via the Regent
University home page, especially the following:
Academic Calendar/Registrar Information
Bookstore
Honor/Plagiarism Policy
Regent Library
Student Services (includes links to student handbook, disability services, University
calendar, University Writing Center, etc.)
Technical Support – University Helpdesk
Disability Statement
The student is responsible for contacting director of student life at 757.352.4867 to request
accommodations, provide necessary documentation, and make arrangements with each instructor.
The following website is designed to help our disabled students learn of their rights and
responsibilities with regards to disability services.
Student Course Evaluation
Becoming Christian leaders includes learning how to evaluate others by providing honest
evaluations that include positive affirmation and constructive feedback, as appropriate. In
addition, such evaluation leads to the continual improvement of courses and student learning.
Consequently, university policy requires that all students submit a formal student evaluation of
teaching form at the end of the academic term. This mandatory requirement must be completed
before students will be able to access their final course grade. This form is only available in an
online format. Prior to the end of the course, students will receive an e-mail indicating that the
Regent University, SSW 512 (Campus) Course Syllabus 17
form is available. Instructions on accessing the evaluation will be included. Since these
evaluations are only available for a limited time, students should complete the evaluation as soon
as they receive the e-mail notification that the evaluation form is available. Instructors will not
have access to course evaluations until after grades have been submitted and will only have
access to anonymous summary data. Students are also encouraged at any point during the term to
offer comments that may be helpful to the improvement or refinement of the course. Students can
access the online evaluation system at:
http://eval.regent.edu/regent/survey/login.cfm?CFID=910254&CFTOKEN=63033992. If you
have questions about the online evaluation please contact [email protected].
James 1v22: “We are doers of the Word.”
Last Updated: 5/8/2012
At times, due to unforeseen circumstances, course content may be subject to change. Please check with
your professor to insure you have the most recently updated Syllabus for this course.
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