History and Practice of Television Writing
FILM 383
Fall 2025
| Section:
01
|
This course offers a historical/industrial introduction to American television, and uses that as a springboard into analytical and creative exercises. Each unit will involve students viewing TV episodes (outside of class time) that are bound by theme, genre, production context, etc. These will serve as the foundation for in-class lecture and discussion on the industry and the decision-making of television creators. At the end of each unit, students will work on a culminating assignment of either analytical or creative writing. Key learning goals for the course: - An overview of television history: industry, censorship, technology, culture, and storytelling. - Identifying key concerns and parameters that affect creative decision-making, and how TV writers/creators work within them to respond to and reflect the concerns of their era. - Having students generate their own TV writing from imposed prompts/restrictions |
|
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA FILM |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: FILM304 AND FILM307 |
|
Fulfills a Requirement for: (Film Studies Minor)(Film Studies) |
|
Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Students will be assigned episodes of television to view outside of class time each week. Expect 2-4 hours of viewing per week.
|
Examinations and Assignments:
1 analytical assignment, 1-2 individual creative assignments, 1 collaborative creative assignment |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
POI Deadline: April 10th
Students seeking Permission of Instructor should email mlongenecker@wesleyan.edu by the above deadline with a brief 1-2 paragraph "cover letter" explaining their interest in the course. |
| Instructor(s): Longenecker,Marc Cacaci,Joe Times: ..T.... 01:20PM-04:10PM; Location: TBA |
Permission of Instructor Required
Enrollment capacity: 12 | Permission of instructor approval will be granted by the instructor during pre-registration through the Electronic Portfolio. Click "Add to My Courses" and "To request a POI electronically, click here" to submit your request. |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
|
|