Film as Literature

This online course is a high school English course that focuses on film analysis and literary elements. Over the course of four units (Introduction to Film, Coming of Age, Speculative Stories, and Justice), students will watch and discuss a variety of classic and recent films, and complete writing assignments such as film reviews, thesis-based literary analysis papers, personal narratives, and creative writing. Students should expect to watch a full film most weeks, as well as read short stories, articles, and two full books. Discussion and writing are emphasized in this course, and students will learn tools for class discussion and participate in lively discussions. The course is broken into four units, with a polished, longer writing assignment due at the end of each unit.

This course is suitable for students in grades 10-12 who enjoy movies and would like an alternative core English course or an English or film studies elective. It is open to students with varying levels of proficiency in reading and writing, as long as they have a basic understanding of how to write an analytical essay. The course has a technology requirement of high-speed broadband Internet, a sound card and microphone, and streaming video capabilities. Students must also have access to all films, as there is no subscription film service required for the course. The course includes live, interactive classes, with participation being part of the grade. Writing assignments are marked and returned in a timely manner, with rubrics provided for all writing assignments.