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Course Description

IN PERSON: This course is designed to help students deepen their understanding of cinematic storytelling while providing those interested in writing a feature-length screenplay with practical instruction. Using "Chinatown," both the screenplay and the film, as primary texts, students will learn to analyze the essential elements of screenwriting, including structure, conflict, character, setting, dialogue, action, sound, theme, and motif. Class sessions will combine lecture, discussion, close reading of selected scenes, and comparative analysis of the screenplay and film. In addition, students will be introduced to the process of developing a screenplay from concept to page. Topics will include story development, character creation, scene construction, and dramatic structure development. Students interested in writing a screenplay will receive weekly writing assignments designed to allow them to complete the first 10 pages of a feature-length screenplay. The instructor will provide feedback. | Facilitated discussion, Active Skill Learning.

Max enrollment: 15.

Location: Judea Reform Congregation, 1933 W. Cornwallis Rd, Durham NC 27705

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Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in

Section Title
Feature Film Screenwriting
Type
Classroom - In Person
Days
M
Time
11:00AM to 12:30PM
Dates
Sep 14, 2026 to Nov 16, 2026
Schedule and Location
Contact Hours
12.0
Delivery Options
Classroom - In Person  
Course Fees
Instructors

Section Notes

Please note: Students will purchase and study Robert Towne's Academy Award-winning screenplay for "Chinatown," widely regarded as one of the finest screenplays ever written.

Required supplies/fee:

Students will purchase materials independently for an estimated cost of $20.
Chinatown screenplay is available for purchase here: Hollywood Script Shop: https://hollywoodscriptshop.com/product/chinatown-movie-script/.

Required reading:
Robert Towne, "Chinatown Screenplay" (9780571202249)
Recommended reading:
Syd Field, "Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting" (9780440576471)

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