SCWR 303 Rewriting the Feature Film Script

Kristina Thomas

Fall 2025-2026

Class number: 13400

Section number: 702

Th 5:45PM - 9:00PM

14EAS 00207 Loop Campus

Summary

This class focuses on practical ways to approach the rewriting process for feature film screenplays. Through group workshops and assignments, students isolate issues with plot, character development, dialogue and pacing in their script and work on addressing them in a full draft rewrite. Students must possess a complete feature length script in order to enroll in the course.

Texts

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS:

The Screenwriter's Workbook: Exercises and Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating a Successful Screenplay by Syd Field
Screenwriting is Rewriting by Jack Epps.

Grading

Grading Scale:

Attendance 10%

Participation 10%

Note Overview 10%

Rewrite Plan 10%

Page Submission 60%

Grading Scale Breakdown of FINAL REWRITTEN SCRIPT

90–100 = Excellent – Pages are strong, feedback is detailed and insightful.
80–89 = Good – Meets expectations, some room for depth in writing or notes.
70–79 = Adequate – Shows effort, but lacks polish or specificity.
60–69 = Needs Work – Major issues in clarity, format, or lack of useful feedback.
Below 60 = Incomplete – Pages missing or feedback not meaningful.

Grading:

A 93-100

A- 90-92

B+ 87-89

B 83-86

B- 80-82

C+ 77-79

C 73-76

C- 70-72

D+ 67-69

D 60-66

F 0-59

Prerequisites

PREREQUISITE: None

Lecture: Welcome to Rewriting the Feature Script class. Let’s talk about foundation and planning. We’ll discuss the rewriting process, how the class will go and giving notes to each other.

Classroom Activity:
Discuss student projects.
Separate class into four groups.
Scheduling one-on-one’s.

Assignment: Self Evaluation, read your script for Notes Overview. Upload to D2L due no later than Tuesday, September 16 at 5pm to everyone in class.

School policies:

Changes to Syllabus

This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.

Online Course Evaluations

Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation. Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.

All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.

Academic Policies

All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.

Students with Disabilities

Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296

ClassInfo