Film Studies: Introduction to Film (Mystery Edition) *FLEX*
In this eleven-week film studies class, students will learn about characters, genre narrative, camera angles, and more as we look at mystery movies and TV shows. Come join us in this film studies/ film analysis class!
Alexys Smith
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5.0
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What's included
0 pre-recorded lessons
11 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
Homework: Watch "Clue" (1985) Homework: Watch "Knives Out" (2019) Homework: Watch "Sherlock Holmes" (2009) Homework: Watch "Enola Homes" (2020) Homework: Watch "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery" (2022) Homework: Watch "The Great Mouse Detective" (1986) Homework: Watch "Enola Holmes 2" (2022) Homework: Prepare powerpoint presentation to upload to Outschool discussion boardClass Experience
This Film Studies class will explore the genre of mystery films, examining the elements that make them intriguing and captivating to audiences. Through in-depth analysis and discussion, students will gain a deeper understanding of narrative structures, cinematography, character development, and storytelling techniques unique to mystery films. This class is flexible, and assignments/discussions will be posted and due on the classroom page. We will be using the classroom page for discussions and conversations. Learners will use the classroom page to participate in the class. Learning Objectives: By the end of the course, students will be able to: - Identify and analyze the key characteristics of mystery films. - Understand the historical development and evolution of mystery as a genre. - Examine the use of plot twists and suspense-building techniques. - Evaluate the impact of cinematography and mise-en-scène on mystery narratives. - Discuss the portrayal of characters and their roles in mystery films. - Interpret underlying themes and messages in mystery films. - Apply critical thinking and analytical skills to film analysis. Each week there will be a lesson for the student to prepare for that weeks discussion question. Content for each week will be provided in Outschool through PowerPoint, video lectures from the teacher, and/ or YouTube videos. There will also be discussion boards that the learners will participate in. Week 1: Welcome to class! Welcome post! Welcome discussion question Introduction to class with assignment information Homework: Watch "Clue" (1985) Week 2: Introduction to Mystery Films - Definition and characteristics of mystery as a film genre. - Overview of iconic mystery films and their influence. - Discussion on audience expectations and engagement in mystery storytelling. Homework: Watch "Knives Out" (2019) Week 3: Historical Overview of Mystery Films - Exploring the evolution of mystery films from the silent era to the present day. - Analysis of classic mystery films and their impact on the genre. Homework: Watch "Sherlock Holmes" (2009) Week 4: Plot Twists and Narrative Structures - Understanding the art of plot twists and surprise endings. - Analyzing various narrative structures commonly employed in mystery films. Homework: Watch "Enola Homes" (2020) Week 5: Cinematography and Visual Storytelling - Examining the use of camera angles, lighting, and composition in creating mystery atmospheres. - Exploring the role of mise-en-scène in conveying important clues and information. Homework: Watch "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery" (2022) Week 6: Character Development in Mystery Films - Investigating the portrayal of detectives, suspects, and victims in mystery narratives. - Analyzing character archetypes and their significance. Homework: Watch "The Great Mouse Detective" (1986) Week 7: Building Suspense and Tension - Identifying techniques used to build suspense and tension in mystery films. - Discussion on the impact of music and sound design in creating a mysterious atmosphere. Homework: Watch "Enola Holmes 2" (2022) Week 8: Themes and Social Commentary - Interpreting underlying themes and messages present in mystery films. - Exploring how mystery films can address social issues and cultural contexts. Homework: Work on your PowerPoint Week 9: Contemporary Mystery Films and Subgenres - Analyzing recent mystery films and exploring subgenres within the mystery genre. - Discussing the blending of mystery elements with other genres. Homework: Work on your PowerPoint Week 10: Student Presentations - Students present their analyses of a mystery film of their choice. - Create a PowerPoint following the rubric provided by the teacher and upload it to the Outschool discussion board. Homework: Work on your reflection review Week 11: Final Film Discussion and Reflection - Final discussion and reflection on the various aspects of mystery films explored throughout the course. - Students will write 2-5 paragraphs answering questions in a discussion board on Outschool Please keep in mind that this course description is just an outline and there will be more detailed descriptions in the course.
Learning Goals
Individual Objectives
- Students will analyze and study what makes a mystery film a mystery and key elements that all mystery films need to have.
- Students will practice writing skills by writing answers to the discussion boards.
-Students will participle in class discussions analyzing specific principles in the show through discussion boards.
- Students will make a powerpoint for their final presentation.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The mystery films have various rating some PG and other PG-13. It is the films are about solving a crime sometimes a murder, with some fighting and kissing scenes.
PG: Parental Guidance Suggested, Some Material May Not Be Suitable for Children. The film should be investigated further by parents. There may be some content such as language, violence or brief nudity, but they aren't so intense that more than guidance is suggested.
PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned, Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13. This rating is a stronger caution for parents that content included may not be appropriate for children under 13 (pre-teen ages). This may include stronger language, extended violence or sexual situations and drug-use
Supply List
Learner will need to gain access to the films. Some of the films are on Netflix and will need a Netflix account. Others can be rented from Youtube or Amazon prime. These films you will need to rent: "Clue" (1985) "Knives Out" (2019) "Sherlock Holmes" (2009) "The Great Mouse Detective" (1986) These films can be found on Netflix: "Enola Homes" (2020) "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery" (2022) "Enola Holmes 2" (2022)
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined March, 2023
5.0
1reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree from Westminster College
Bachelor's Degree from Westminster College
I have been teaching film studies classes for the last three years and love watching and analyzing films myself. Currently, I am finishing up a Master's degree in Strategic Communication. I love TV and movies and looking into the deeper analysis of the story and structure. I have taught film studies classes and know how enjoyable it is to connect films together through a genre. Reviews
Self-Paced Class
$19
weekly or $200 for all content1 pre-recorded lesson
11 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 1 learner
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Ages: 13-18
