Literature on Film 2 - High School ELA
Film offers excellent exposure to a variety of modern and classic novels that are often referenced in other works and pop culture. Each film is selected from popular books taught in US high schools.
Courtney Runchey
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(45)
Rising Star
What's included
14 live meetings
11 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. Students are required to watch the assigned movie before each class session. Graded students will have the option to choose and complete four* projects by the end of the course. The time required for each project may vary depending on its complexity and scope. *Students in select states may need to complete a total of six projects to meet their state's requirements for credit in this course.Assessment
Students are graded 20% per project (80% total), 20% class participation. Students need to complete four* projects. There is a project for each movie, and students are encouraged to choose projects from movies they enjoyed. *Students in select states may need to complete a total of six projects to meet their state's requirements for credit in this course.Grading
Students will be assumed to desire grades for their work unless they inform the teacher that they would like to opt out of receiving grades.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
In this 14-week ELA class, high school students will explore literature through film. Each week, students are expected to watch a movie before class. During class, we will discuss major differences between the book and the movie, themes, symbolism, genre, and plot. Students should feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. This class is designed for students of all abilities to succeed and is aligned with the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) standards. Film offers excellent exposure to a variety of modern and classic novels that are often referenced in other works and pop culture. Each film is selected from popular books taught in US high schools. Classes in this series can be taken in any order. The list includes both classics and more modern selections across various genres. These novels continue to be taught because literature and film allow us to safely explore complex themes. YA stories often deal with highly sensitive topics, which are handled carefully and without sensationalism. Students are encouraged to consider why an author made certain choices, what these choices bring to the story, what the author intended to convey, whether it was the most effective approach, and the impact of the historical context. For example, the use of the "N" word in several movies leads to discussions about how language changes over time and what was considered acceptable when the book or film was created. These discussions are conducted with sensitivity and care. Although the films chosen are rated PG-13 or lower, they reflect the times in which they were made. This means that societal views on acceptability have changed over time. Students will see things in these films that might not be shown if they were remade today. Please review the movies and versions listed before registering for the class. Common Sense Media ratings and parental guidance are included for each movie. This information is available at: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/.
Learning Goals
Analyze the relationship between literature and film, understanding how adaptations represent themes, symbolism, and plot elements.Evaluate major differences between the book and movie versions of a story, identifying how changes impact narrative structure and character development.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum14 Lessons
over 14 WeeksLesson 1:
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Students will learn about the historical context of the novel on which the film is based. Additionally, we will discuss the choices made when adapting novels to film and how these decisions shape the storytelling.
"Don't Panic" Survival Guide: Create a multimedia survival guide inspired by "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." Include tips, tricks, and advice for navigating the universe, dealing with interstellar bureaucracy, and avoiding the wrath of the Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Great Expectations
Students will learn about the historical context of the novel on which the film is based. Additionally, we will discuss the choices made when adapting novels to film and how these decisions shape the storytelling.
Letter Writing Project: Write a series of letters exchanged between characters in "Great Expectations," exploring their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Use the epistolary format to delve into their inner worlds and reveal the complexities of their relationships. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
The Grapes of Wrath
Students will learn about the historical context of the novel on which the film is based. Additionally, we will discuss the choices made when adapting novels to film and how these decisions shape the storytelling.
Farm Workers' Rights Campaign: Design a multimedia awareness campaign highlighting issues of labor rights and social justice inspired by "The Grapes of Wrath." Create posters, social media graphics, and infographics to educate the public about the struggles faced by migrant workers. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Of Mice and Men
Students will learn about the historical context of the novel on which the film is based. Additionally, we will discuss the choices made when adapting novels to film and how these decisions shape the storytelling.
Setting Exploration: Research the historical and geographical setting of "Of Mice and Men," focusing on the Great Depression and migrant worker communities in California. Create a multimedia presentation or virtual tour exploring important locations from the novel. 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
No other accounts are required for this class.
While I did choose films that are rated PG-13 or lower they are a work of their times. What does this mean? What our society thinks of as acceptable has changed over time. In these films you will see things that may not be shown if they were remade today. Please review the movies and versions listed before registering for class. I have included the recommendations from Common Sense Media ratings and what parents need to know under each movie. The website this information was taken from is: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
Week Movie
1 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Rated PG 2005 1hr 50min
Common Sense Says 10+, Parents Say 8+, Kids Say 9+
Parents need to know that this movie is partly kooky and partly philosophical, and not always accessible to younger kids. While the slapstick (pratfalls, face slaps) and puns can be amusing, the chatter alternates between clever and tedious. Characters drink beer and use mild language. Parents should also know that the movie has some scary, if abstract moments (the earth is destroyed from outer space; the image features no people, but the globe does go pffft), some shooting of science-fiction-ish weapons, a few odd, large, ugly creatures.
2 Great Expectations
PG-13 2012 2hrs 8min
Common Sense Says 10+, Parents Say 14+, Kids Say 13+
Parents need to know that Great Expectations is one of many adaptations of Charles Dickens' classic novel about money and love and how one can't buy you the other. There's some violence in the movie, as characters die or are cruel and harsh with each other, and the language includes mostly insults like "cowardly," "stupid," and "common." This isn't a feel-good story, so be prepared to discuss the themes with kids unfamiliar with Dickens' books.
3 The Grapes of Wrath
Rated NR 1940 2 hrs 13min
Common Sense Says 12+, Parents Say 10+, Kids Say 11+
Parents need to know that The Grapes of Wrath is the classic John Ford-directed adaptation of the classic John Steinbeck novel. There are some brief moments of violence throughout the film: A woman is accidentally shot and killed by a police officer, police and "Okies" do battle with fists and billy clubs, and a man threatens to kill another man with a rifle as he's on the verge of bulldozing his home. Also, as it's a movie from 1940 set during the Great Depression, there is some smoking and tobacco chewing. Overall, for 21st-century families, this film is still an all-important chronicle of a difficult time in American history and raises still-relevant questions about poverty, farm work, and the enormous gaps between the rich and the poor, in this country and throughout the world.
4 Of Mice and Men
Rated PG-13 1992 1hr 55min
Common Sense Says 13+, Parents Say 12+, Kids Say 13+
Parents need to know that Of Mice and Men is the 1992 adaptation of the classic John Steinbeck novel. There are some violent scenes: A woman is shown yelling after being attacked and then being accidentally strangled to death; a man is shot point-blank in the back of the head; and an old dog is taken out to be shot and killed, and, although the dog's death isn't shown, the gunshot is heard. Aside from this, there is some mild profanity throughout (including one use of the "N" word), and characters smoke cigarettes. Given the mature themes and content, this film is best for teens, especially those who are also reading the book.
5 Book Thief
Rated PG-13, 2013 2 hrs 5 min
Common Sense Says 13+, Parents Say 12+, Kids Say 11+
Parents need to know that The Book Thief is a historical drama set in WWII Germany based on the bestselling young-adult novel by Australian author Markus Zusak. There are many scenes of violence, from the way the Nazis treat Jews, to schoolyard fights, to recurring bomb threats. There are many character deaths and near-deaths that will affect even the most jaded of viewers, though there's almost no blood and zero gore. Language includes German insults that translate to "a--hole" and "dirty swine" as well as "stupid" and "idiot."
6 The Giver
Rated PG-13 2014 1hr 37min
Common Sense Media Says 11+, Parents Say 11+, Kids Say 10+
Parents need to know that the The Giver is a dystopian thriller based on author Lois Lowry's best-selling 1993 novel (which has sparked some controversy since its publication and landed on some banned-book lists). Since the novel is commonly used in middle school classrooms, the adaptation will appeal to tweens and teens who've read and loved it. Although there are some fundamental changes from the book (like the age of Jonas, the main character), the movie shares the book's central themes about the things that make life worth living, even if they're painful. The violent revelations are disturbing, especially ugly truths about what it means when citizens (including a baby) are "released into Elsewhere," but the movie isn't nearly as violent as comparable movies like The Hunger Games or Divergent. Like the movie, the book should launch some thoughtful conversations about totalitarianism, freedom of expression, and why utopian societies fail.
7 Ender's Game
Rated PG-13 2013 1hr 54min
Common Sense Says 12+, Parents Say 10+, Kids Say 10+
Parents need to know that Ender's Game is the highly anticipated adaptation of Orson Scott Card's best-selling 1985 sci-fi novel. While there's not any sex and only very minor language, there's a lot of violence in the militaristic story: from two near-fatal personal fights to weapons-based strategy competitions to simulated war battles to the annihilation of an entire planet and alien race. The book author's outspoken political comments have led to controversy surrounding the film, but the film itself promotes positive messages about empathy and moral responsibility, honest communication between adults and children, and peaceful diplomacy as superior to military aggression.
8 Death on the Nile
Rated PG-13, 2022, 2 hrs 7 min
Common Sense Says 13+, Parents Say 15+, Kids Say 13+
Parents need to know that Death on the Nile is based on Agatha Christie's same-named mystery novel and is a follow-up to 2017's Murder on the Orient Express. The central figure is a glamorous heiress (Gal Gadot) who marries her best friend's fiancé (Armie Hammer). Racy moments include passionate kissing, references to sex, and the honeymooning couple grinding against each other while fully clothed. As the movie's title suggests, there's a good deal of murder in the story (involving knives and guns), and while it's all meant to shock and startle, only one death is accompanied by blood and packed with emotion. Suicidal ideation and behavior are present, and there's a flashback to wartime battlefield violence and a close-up of a grisly wound (accompanied by a positive message about acceptance). Characters drink throughout, and there are references to smoking. Women are portrayed as intelligent and shrewd, and supporting characters have been updated in a way that reflects a more diverse world than the one Christie wrote about.
9 The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Rated NR 2019, 1 hr 53 min
Common Sense Says 12+, Parents Say 11+, Kids Say 11+
Parents need to know that The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is based on the true story of William Kamkwamba (Maxwell Simba), a 13-year-old boy living in a small village in Malawi, Africa, who created a device that would restore the land and save his people after flooding ruined their grain fields. Expect sad moments, including some significant deaths. There are also a few violent sequences: Government officials beat a village chieftain, and thieves invade a home, threatening two women. A sprinkling of curse words are heard, including "damn," "hell," "bulls--t." The movie's source material is Kamkwamba's same-named book. Both English and Chewa (subtitled) are spoken in the film, which has clear, strong themes of perseverance, courage, curiosity, and integrity.
10 Sense and Sensibility
Rated PG, 1995 2 hrs 16 min
Common Sense Says 11+, Parents Say 12+, Kids Say 10+
Parents need to know that there's nothing really objectionable for younger kids in Sense and Sensibility, but the plot may be too sophisticated for them to follow, and the film features some emotional intensity. Characters drink wine at dinner and on social occasions; during one dinner, an older couple drinks wine and acts intoxicated as they giggle and gossip and make jokes at the expense of one of the characters. There also are tame discussions of characters who leave town when their lovers become pregnant. In one scene, a female dog is referred to as a "bitch."
11 Real Women Have Curves
Rated PG-13, 2002 85 Min
Common Sense Says 14+, Parents Say 13+
Parents need to know that in Real Women Have Curves, Ana loses her virginity to her boyfriend. The couple is shown naked together in his bedroom (though nothing really racy is shown). Ana also lies to her parents to go on dates and encourages her coworkers to strip to their underwear at work. Her mother constantly insults her weight and calls her a slut in Spanish. Profanity includes one "f--k" and one "s--t." Ana struggles with pleasing her family, growing up, and following her dreams, all in an environment in which poverty makes it very hard to get ahead.
12 Hidden Figures
Rated PG, 2016 2 hrs 6 min
Common Sense Says 10+, Parents Say 10+, Kids Say 9+
Parents need to know that Hidden Figures is based on the inspiring true story of three brilliant African-American women who worked at NASA in the 1950s and '60s as "human computers" -- making calculations and contributions that helped launch the manned spaceflight program. Dorothy Vaughn (Octavia Spencer), Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe), and Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson) were engineers and computers at NASA at a time when both women and African Americans were still widely discriminated against, particularly in segregationist Virginia. where NASA's Langley Research Center is based. There's a little bit of romance (a few kisses, flirty comments, and slow dancing) and a bit of salty language (mostly along the lines of "damn," "hell," and "Jesus Christ" as an exclamation). The film also offers a realistic look at the racial tensions of the Civil Rights era (segregated bathrooms, libraries, schools, facilities), and audiences will learn a lot about these pioneering women and what they had to overcome to make their mark at NASA. They're excellent role models, and their story is full of positive messages and themes, including integrity, perseverance, teamwork, and communication.
13 The Martian
Rated PG-13 2015 2hrs 24min
Common Sense Says 12+, Parents Say 11+, Kids Say 11+
Parents need to know that The Martian is a sci-fi space thriller based on Andy Weir's best-selling novel, a popular book among both adult and teen readers. Matt Damon stars as Mark Watney, a NASA astronaut accidentally left behind on Mars when his crew thinks he died during an emergency evacuation. Expect some salty language (including "f--k," which is somewhat understandable given Watney's dire circumstances), a quick glimpse of Damon's rail-thin naked body from behind, a gory moment when Watney has to deal with a serious wound, and tense moments of peril, including the initial wind storm that results in Watney getting knocked out and impaled, subsequent explosions, and other life-and-death situations. Despite the strong language, this is a compelling, diversely cast thriller for middle schoolers and up who are interested in space travel, science, technology, and, of course, science-fiction.
14 Much Ado About Nothing
Rated PG-13, 1993 1 hr 51 min
Common Sense Says 12+, Parents Say 11+, Kids Say 11+
Parents need to know that this very accessible Shakespeare adaptation gets the PG-13 rating because of a bunch of visible backsides in a jubilant bathing scene and a brief sex scene visible from afar (you'll see a few thrusts but characters are clothed). The rest of the content is pretty mild: a couple bad guys get drunk, a death is faked, and a silly guard shouts "I am an ass!" and thinks it's a compliment.
Supply List
Students are required to watch each movie before class. All are available online (many for free on streaming services) or at a library.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined August, 2020
4.9
45reviews
Rising Star
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from Northwood University
For more than 15 years, I've been deeply involved in education, spending the last 9 years as a homeschooling parent. My greatest joy lies in helping students delve into complex subjects by exploring various perspectives. In today's world, narratives hold significant weight, influencing our understanding immensely. I'm passionate about sharing diverse literature that captivates students and broadens their comprehension. In my classes, I bring history to life through a blend of novels and primary sources, delving into socioeconomic factors, religious influences, and the nuances of narration bias. Encouraging critical thinking, I prompt students to consider multiple viewpoints and the motivations behind historical events.
For over 7 years, I've taught at a local homeschool co-op, both in-person and online. One of my favorite roles has been leading middle and high school book clubs, where I not only introduce students to new books but also facilitate discussions on challenging topics. Having undergone diversity training and sensitivity workshops, I approach these discussions with care, ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and respected. Attending numerous professional developments, I've honed strategies for fostering inclusivity and highlighting multiple points of view.
My educational journey began with a B.B.A. from Northwood University, followed by a transition to pursue a teaching degree at Eastern Michigan University. Unfortunately, family circumstances led me to prioritize homeschooling my children over completing the program.
Across various homeschool groups and co-ops, I've taught a range of subjects including English, History, Finance, and Engineering. My passion for literature shines through in running book clubs and teaching classes on essay writing, grammar, and novel analysis. I've curated diverse book selections, fostering rich discussions on themes, characters, and symbolism.
Responding to students' interests, I initiated the Literature through Film series, offering an alternative way to explore classic literature through movie adaptations. This approach accommodated different reading paces and preferences, maintaining our focus on thorough novel analysis.
In my History classes, I employ a multi-faceted approach, incorporating primary sources, articles, and films to examine diverse perspectives and marginalized narratives. Similarly, in Finance and Entrepreneurship classes, I prioritize hands-on learning, guiding students through real-world applications such as budgeting, mortgage calculations, and investment tracking.
Utilizing Lego Education Kits, I've led engineering classes, both in-person and through platforms like Outschool. These sessions encourage creativity and problem-solving, fostering an interest in STEM fields.
Continuing my professional development journey, I actively participate in events like EdCamp, NerdCamp, and NaNoWriMo, enhancing my teaching practices and staying abreast of educational innovations.Reviews
Live Group Course
$17
weekly or $225 for 14 classes1x per week, 14 weeks
50 min
Completed by 23 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
3-12 learners per class
