Foundation Degree in Writing for Performance

Foundation Degree in Writing for Performance
The Foundation Degree in Writing for Performance is designed to provide you with the knowledge and practical skills welcomed by employers. Each of the two levels requires a year of full time study or two-years part-time study.

You will study two introductory modules - Introduction to Writing for Performance and The Quest for Originality: Literary History and Theory for Performance Writers, then branch out into more practical, work-based skills.

A Foundation Degree is a full and nationally recognised qualification that is equivalent to the first two years of an Honours degree (BA Hons). Ruskin's Foundation Degree in Writing for Performance has been designed to provide you with the range of skills required to meet the needs of the sector. Additionally, the programme has been designed so you can complete a suitable full honours degree at an appropriate university should you wish to.

In the first year (or two years for part-time students), you will study Introduction to Writing for Performance; The Quest for Originality: Literary History and Theory for Performance Writers; Script and Screenwriting Level 4; Theatre in Practice Level 4; Facilitating Other People's Creativity; and Verse Drama, Poetry and Lyrics for Performance. These modules will give you an introduction to the basic skills of:

· practical writing (traditional creative writing with new elements such as play/film/ screenwriting)

· vocational skills (e.g. copywriting; marketing/ self marketing; finding funding opportunities; pitching ideas; evaluating scripts)

In the second year you will study Theatre in Practice: Level 5; Script and Screenwriting: Level 5 and Writing for a Living. You will also undertake a 10 week Practice Learning Placement in industry and complete a Final Project. These modules will help you develop and polish the skills you have learned in the first year and put them into practice in a variety of work-based situations. This includes:

· writing for a group of actors or your peer group; practical work experience (e.g. training as a writer in prisons; working in theatre in education to produce resource packs; helping to organise tours/ festivals; facilitating/ helping others to produce creative work).

Overall Course Aims
The aims of the course are to:
· Develop your depth of knowledge and analytical skills in writing for performance
· Equip you with the skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed as a writer of scripts, screenplays and other types of performance-related texts.
· Develop your problem-solving skills and capacity for independent judgement, particularly in undertaking independent study and research.
· Develop your comprehension and capacity to analyse issues (including equality and diversity issues) in writing for performance.
· Help you understand and solve page to stage issues and challenges
· Ensure that you can apply different theoretical perspectives to stage and screen drama
· Equip you with personal and professional employment abilities such as strong written and verbal communication, presentation skills and good teamwork skills
· Equip you with skills for surviving as a writer such as good time management; the ability to plan and meet budgets; and the ability to find jobs, seek funding opportunities and handle interviews confidently
· Empower you with interpersonal and leadership skills that will enable you to mentor others and develop their creativity and writing abilities

Learning Methods and Strategies

You will learn through a mixture of:
· tutor-led day schools with embedded tutorial support
· supervised research and self directed study
· a practice learning work placement in a workplace
· whole class teaching to engage with original material (books, plays, films, poetry, radio and TV programmes)
· workshops and seminars
· visiting lecturer talks and readings
· round table discussions
· tutor supervision and feedback
· field visits (e.g. to museums, galleries, theatres, poetry readings and slams)

Assessment will be through a mixture of:
· assignments
· presentations
· class exercises
· coursework
· written scripts
· podcasts, videos and blogs
· a self-reflective journal
· one two-hour exam (for The Quest for Originality: Literary History and Theory for Performance Writers)

Requirement
All candidates must be able to satisfy the general admissions requirements for Ruskin College. These are: · You should be aged 19 or over · You must obtain medical clearance · You must demonstrate commitment to the ethos and vocation of Ruskin College · You must have the ability to benefit from study at this level Selection interviews are conducted as a two-way process in which you can make an informed decision about the suitability of the programme for you. You will find this process valuable. You will participate in an induction week, which includes sessions on all aspects of the college.