Film Studies: Introduction to Film
In this 12-week class, students will learn how to appreciate, analyze & interpret theme, character, story structure, & narrative technique through the medium of film as they study movies, write scripts, & learn about the business of cinema.
Angelia Derrick (she/her)
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What's included
24 live meetings
22 in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. The following homework is graded on pass/fail. With full credit being given for completing the activity, partial credit given for partially completing, or no credit given for not turning in or completing the prompt. 1. Full length film watches each week and completed tracking sheets for each film. 2. One practice script and three 3-page student-created scripts.Projects
There will be three larger projects offered throughout the course and students will be able to pick between several options: Option 1: Essays in MLA format on film and cinema (suggested topics will be provided). Option 2: Oral slideshow presentations on film and cinema (suggested topics will be provided). Option 3: Create a short film from a prompt provided by the teacher. Option 4: Verbally pitch or create a pitch deck for a possible film (part of Blockbuster lesson) Option 5: Multiple choice mid-term exam and final exam.Letter Grade
Students will receive a letter grade at the end of the course. A link to the Google Sheet grade book can be provided so the student can see how they are doing throughout the course.Grading
No Grade/Certificate Option - If a student doesn't want a grade/certificate, they can opt out of most of the homework assignments and projects. They will still be asked to watch the eleven assigned films as homework so they can participate in the in-class discussions. The option to opt out of receiving a grade will be determined during the first week of the class.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 8
Beginner - Advanced Level
Introduction to Film explores a wide variety and range of film types and units of study, including film history, shot composition, editing techniques, animation, special effects, sound in film, film ratings, specialists that help make a film, and individual genre-based units of study. Additionally, students are introduced to basic script formatting, writing, and “pitching.” Focus includes the development of techniques for analysis in shot composition, story structure mapping, appreciation of silent and scored films, and character development through the visual medium of film. Students begin to analyze works of cinema, research film history and genres, and create original scripts using techniques studied in class. Individual Objectives - Students will express reflections and reactions to film and print text as well as to personal experience with cinematic history and traditions. - Students will evaluate scenes, examine character development, and look at how filmmaking techniques inform an audience. - Students will examine written screenplays and develop informed opinions. - Students will create and use standards to present, evaluate, and refine original film concepts. Introduction to Film will be taught as a US high school (secondary school) elective, but you don't have to be taking it as an elective or for a grade to enjoy the class. Between class time and homework the students will do the required 60 hours of work to use this class as a semester length elective. The syllabus has a breakdown of the expected schedule for the class, but there is room to go slower or faster through each unit depending on student interest in the topics. A survey will be conducted during the first class about the possible film watches to determine what films will be watched. Films might also be changed to different units depending on the results of the survey. Each class meeting will be a combination of lecture, discussion, and viewing of film clips and informational videos via screen sharing.
Learning Goals
Students will learn how to appreciate, analyze and interpret theme, character, story structure, and narrative technique through the medium of film.Students will explore the artistry of sound, camera, costumes, set making, stunts, and SFX that help the filmmakers tell their stories.
Syllabus
13 Units
24 Lessons
over 12 WeeksUnit 1: Structure, Story and Screenplay Basics
Lesson 1:
Unit 1 - Loglines
Go over how the class will work and do the survey to determine what full films will be watched throughout the class. Learn about the importance of loglines both in the creation and marketing of films. One-sheets and trailers. Homework: Write a logline. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Unit 1 - Dialogue & Screenplay Basics
Learn about and examine dialogue in cinema. Learn about what a screenplay is and how to write one. Homework: Rewrite an example of bad dialogue. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Unit 1 - Story Structure
Learn about the three-act story structure, character motivation, and a popular structure in the industry called Save the Cat. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Unit 1 - Opening Sequences
Learn about the different types of opening sequences a filmmaker might pick to start their film and why. Watch the first film of the class: The Princess Bride (1987) or Coco (2017). Complete first project: an essay or oral presentation on a filmmaker. 55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
We will be discussing and/or watching clips and full films of PG-13 and R rated movies in this class that might contain adult content such as violence, language, and sexuality. Here is the list of films that could be watched in full in the class:
The Princess Bride (1987) PG
Coco (2017) PG
Cat Ballou (1965) Hays Code
Singin' in the Rain (1952) Hays Code
Casablanca (1942) Hays Code
Arrival (2016) PG-13
Poltergeist (1982) PG
The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008) PG
Jurassic Park (1993) PG-13
Black Panther (2018) PG-13
ParaNorman (2012) PG
Up (2009) PG
Clue (1985) PG
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) PG-13
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) PG
Bumblebee (2018) PG-13
The Fall Guy (2024) PG-13
Hidden Figures (2016) PG
Little Women (2019) PG
Students will be provided with a list of both free and paid screenwriting programs to write their scripts as well as websites to read screenplays for free.
Learners will need to join a Google Classroom for the homework assignments.
Supply List
Students will need to rent/stream required movies to watch as homework. A survey on the first day of class will determine the films and schedule. Here is a list of possible films: The Princess Bride (1987) PG Coco (2017) PG Cat Ballou (1965) Hays Code Singin' in the Rain (1952) Hays Code Casablanca (1942) Hays Code Arrival (2016) PG-13 Poltergeist (1982) PG The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008) PG Jurassic Park (1993) PG-13 Black Panther (2018) PG-13 ParaNorman (2012) PG Up (2009) PG Clue (1985) PG Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) PG-13 Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) PG Bumblebee (2018) PG-13 The Fall Guy (2024) PG-13 Hidden Figures (2016) PG Little Women (2019) PG
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
This class uses and is based off the Film Studies: Intro to Film elective curriculum created by English Gamechangers.
Joined May, 2020
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Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Film/Cinema/Video Studies from California State University, Fullerton
Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Charter Oak State College
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting
Bachelor of Arts in Applied Arts: Creative Writing
Certificates from Institute of Children's Literature
Certificates from Institute for Writers
Writing young adult fantasy and space opera under the pen name Angelia Almos. Reviews
Live Group Course
$40
weekly or $480 for 24 classes2x per week, 12 weeks
55 min
Completed by 12 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
3-9 learners per class
