Not everyone loves to read, but even people who do love to read should learn to be wise consumers of film. If you’re looking for an English class in which your student can learn critical thinking and literary analysis by studying movies instead of reading books, you’ve found it!

In this fun and engaging class, students will learn to analyze theme, character, plot, setting, point of view, conflict, mood, tone, irony, foreshadowing, flashback, symbolism, motif, and more; they will also analyze cinematic elements such as lighting, cinematography, sound, editing, etc. The required films represent a variety of genres, themes, and time periods.

Because students who have learned to analyze literary elements through film are usually more comfortable recognizing and evaluating those concepts in literary texts, this course will prepare students for more traditional literature courses in high school and/or college. Furthermore, learning to think critically about film makes students more mindful about—and less easily swayed by—media in general.

During class meetings, students will use guided notetaking as they explore each literary and cinematic element, and they will watch and discuss short films and clips to practice analyzing these elements. Between classes, they will watch and analyze full-length films and participate in lively discussions.

This class does not require formal papers, but students will complete three projects (one of which can be a paper if desired). Ideal for grades 8-12, this class counts as a half-year credit of English and pairs nicely with a semester-long writing class or another semester-long literature class for a full-year credit.

Why Students Should Study Film as Literature is an excellent exploration and starting point for this topic.

Please view prerequisites and required supplies below.