EN5105 Writing for Performance 1

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

40

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Available only to students on MLitt /MFA in Playwriting and Screenwriting

Planned timetable

To be arranged

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Prof Z K Harris

Prof Z K Harris
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Team taught

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module is designed to introduce key playwriting skills as well as writing for younger audiences and radio. There will be focus on new writing, and a particular emphasis on Scottish work and its place within contemporary theatre practice. Seminars will explore technical aspects of playwriting such as setting, character, and dialogue; in addition they will examine how playwrights challenge their audience. There is a growing audience for theatre for children, and the module will look at key practitioners in this area; in 'writing for radio', it will also address the techniques involved in writing for a mass audience. Teaching will be by a) one two hour seminar per week and b) one dramaturgical workshop per week.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

One new submission equivalent in length and nature to the failed piece of coursework. The piece submitted for reassessment must be entirely new work.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 hour seminar and 2 hour dramaturgy workshop, tutorials by appointment

Scheduled learning hours

47

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

356

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Display a wide and varied knowledge of playwriting techniques focused on contemporary Scottish work but which also takes in aspects of European and American writing.
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the role of the playwright.
  • Demonstrate a working understanding of other aspects of playwriting, such as writing for radio and writing for younger audiences.
  • Put this learning into practice in their own work.