Playwriting (Minor)

Playwriting (Minor) | Undergraduate

The playwriting minor is designed to develop the playwright’s individual voice and increase their understanding of the inherent mechanics of dramatic story and literature.

Through courses that teach students to analyze the dramatic text, discover first-hand the variant roles of the theatre collaborators, learn basic production techniques, and develop their writing ability through a series of intensive workshop style classes, students develop the necessary skills for advanced study and an eventual career in theatre and TV/Film.

Since we live in a world which utilizes dramatic form to tell stories and contribute information to society and dramatic content has an increasing effect on our lives, students will become adept at the execution of dramatic structure and understand the theory and aesthetics of writing for the stage.

Ideal Students

The ideal student for the playwriting minor is a student who has an interest in and aptitude for storytelling and dramatic content. We are looking for students whose writing showcases their ability to tell a good story that evokes feeling and they have a specific point of view and mission for the stories they tell.

A successful Playwriting minor will:

Know what distinguishes Theatre writing from film writing. Develop a general understanding and appreciation of major periods of theatre history and major pieces of dramatic literature. Identify the characteristics of the major theatre genres, and know how each of these genres and styles has engendered distinctive forms of playwriting, acting, directing, and theatrical design. Enhance critical thinking and writing skills through literary analysis of important dramatic works of classical and contemporary drama. Acquire the ability to analyze scripts and critically assess those elements that contribute to the theatre process and a fully actualized production. Write coherent relevant plays for a contemporary audience. Acquire cultural capital through exposure to professional theatre in the Washington DMV area

Playwriting Minor: 18 Credit Hours

• Play Analysis (3 Credits)
• Play Reading (3 Credits)
• Playwriting I (3 Credits)
• Playwriting II (3 Credits)

One of the following:

• Intro to Acting for Non-Majors (3 Credits)
• Creative Drama (3 Credits)
• Technical Production I (3 Credits)
• Beginning Directing (3 Credits)

One of the following:

• Playwriting III (3 Credits)
• Critical Writing & Aesthetics for the Theatre (3 Credits)

• Degree Classification: Undergraduate
• Program Type: Minor
• Program Frequency: Full-Time
• Format: In Person

Caution to Prospective Students

The Board of Trustees of Howard University on September 24, 1983, adopted the following policy statement regarding applications for admission: "Applicants seeking admission to Howard University are required to submit accurate and complete credentials and accurate and complete information requested by the University. Applicants who fail to do so shall be denied admission. Enrolled students who as applicants failed to submit accurate and complete credentials or accurate and complete information on their application for admission shall be subject to dismissal when the same is made known, regardless of classification."

All credentials must be sent to:

 Howard University Graduate School 
Office of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions
2400 Sixth Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20059