MFA Degree Requirements

Courses

Units

Core courses (6)

6

RTVF 561 - Foundations of Writing for the Screen and Stage

Parameters of media writing (character, dialogue, tone/voice, scope, context, intent, etc). Structure. Story analysis. What distinguishes one medium from another. Product: 30-page screenplay.

1

RTVF 562 - Writing the Short Play

1

RTVF 563 - Writing the TV Episode

1

RTVF 564 - Feature Thesis 1

With an emphasis on understanding the structure of a feature play, film, innovative theatre piece, or interactive narrative (student’s choice) Students produce: Outline, first act.

1

RTVF 565 - Feature Thesis 2

With an emphasis on writing the first draft.

1

RTVF 566 - Feature Thesis 3

With an emphasis on adaptation, revision and preparing the writer for the business of writing.

1

Topics courses (4)

4

RTVF 360 Topics in Media Writing or RTVF 464 Advanced Writing

Sample courses include:   

     Writing Action     

     Writing Character   

     Presentational Aesthetics: Adapting Short Stories For Performance    

     Writing the Non-Traditional/Innovative Form     

     Writing the Interactive Narrative    

     Writing the Production-Ready Short Film     

     Writing the TV Pilot     

     Writing Improv (Second City, etc.) 

     Writing Romantic Comedy    

     Writing the Horror Screenplay  

     Writing the Thriller

     Writing the Psychotic/Unraveling Film

     Directing for Writing

     Writing for Directing 

     Acting for Writing, Writing for Acting

     The Art, Business, and Ethics of Script Doctoring

Production course (1)

1

RTVF or Theatre (300-level or higher) with the approval of the Director of the MFA.

Electives (2)

2

(300 level or higher) Production, writing or discipline-related subject with the approval of the Director of the MFA.

Theory/history/culture courses (300-level or higher) (4)

4

From Screen Cultures/RTVF, Performance Studies, Art Theory and Practice, Theatre or other departments with approval of MFA program director

One internship (349 or equivalent at the discretion of the Director of the MFA).

1

Total required units:

18