In this 14-week ELA class High School students will explore sci-fi and fantasy literature through film. Students will be expected to watch each movie before class each week. During each class we will cover major differences between the book and movie, themes, symbolism, genre and discuss the plot. Students should be comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas about the works. Students of all abilities are able to be successful in this class.  

Class Format:

Welcome - Introduction to movie and overall thoughts of the film/story (5 min.)

Main Topic - Slides, and video clips will be used to review and discuss themes, story, and how film was used to “show” the story. (30 min.)

Activity - Students will discuss in breakout rooms to facilitate discussions about themes and concepts covered. (10 min.)

Closing - Wrap-Up and Q and A. (5 min.)

This class can be paired with any of the Movies From Literature Series to finish out a full year ELA credit. MFL-1 is aligned with 9th grade, MFL-2 is aligned with 10th grade, MFL-3 is aligned with 11th grade, and MFL-4 is aligned with 12th grade. This class can work for any year and different genres will be added to this series. (Families, Feel Good, and Romance)

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/

Students who request a grade need to complete 4 projects. There is a project offered for each movie. I encourage students to pick projects from movies they enjoyed. If a student wants to do a different project for a movie they only need to reach out. If you are a homeschool student using this class for credit please contact me with any questions or concerns. I will be happy to help make sure your projects align with your states’ requirements. 

Week								                                              Movie

1					                                            Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl
                                                                                    Rated PG-13, 135 Min. 2003
                                                                                    Common Sense 13+, Parents 10+

Parents need to know that Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is a swashbuckling pirate adventure based on the famous Disney ride that stars Johnny Depp, Keira Knightley, and Orlando Bloom. The movie is not especially graphic but does feature things like an undead pirate crew that may be disturbing to some kids. There are revealing bodices and mild sexual references (not explicit and showing no nudity or sexual situations). Swearing includes "bastard," "damn," and "hell," plus colorful pirate language. Characters drink rum and get tipsy.		

Project: Create a 1 page creative artistic representation of the movie include a minimum: 5 adjectives that describe the movie, key characters, your overall opinion of the movie, 3 adjectives about the setting, 1 quote, 3 graphics, symbols, pictures, or images. 

2                   						                                                         Stardust 2007
							                                                                 Rated PG-13, 128 Min.
							                                                                 Common Sense 12+, Parents 11+

Parents need to know that although this highly entertaining fantasy will appeal to kids with its mix of swashbuckling adventure and romance, it's darker than cinematic cousins like The Princess Bride. It's surprisingly violent, with several deaths and lots of fights featuring knives and swords. The scenes in which an evil witch unleashes her fury are truly frightening (one with a voodoo doll may make even older tweens close their eyes), as is her transformation into an old hag. The subplots, including one about brothers vying for their father's crown trying to kill each other, may be too disturbing for younger kids. 

Project: Create a picture to capture the story. This can be digital, painting, collage, or drawing. Compile a montage of scenes depicting one of the characters adventures or journeys. Include: The name, a quote, and summary of their journey.

3							                                                            Inception 2010
							                                                            Rated PG-13, 148 Min.
                                                                                                                    Common Sense 14+, Parents 12+

Parents need to know that Inception is a complex, original science-fiction fantasy movie from the director of The Dark Knight. It has lots of action and violence -- including guns, blood, fighting, car crashes, etc. -- as well as some slightly scary imagery. But it's very light on language ("goddamn" and "a--hole" are as strong as it gets), sexy stuff, and drinking, so teen fans of star Leonardo DiCaprio should be able to handle it. The movie takes place in several different locations around the world but is noticeably short on diversity on-screen. Crowds in one scene in Kenya are simply used as the backdrop to action sequences. It's not an easy story to explain, but it's fairly easy to follow, and it includes positive examples of teamwork and sacrifice. Parents and teens may find themselves talking at length about the story and the notion of a dream within a dream.

Project: Consider the dream within a dream shown in this film. Write a short story that uses this idea in some way. Minimum 1,000 words.

4							                                                       Jurassic Park 1993
							                                                       Rated PG-13 127 Min.
							                                                       Common Sense 12+, Parents 10+

Parents need to know that Jurassic Park is a landmark sci-fi adventure film by Steven Spielberg, based on the novel by Michael Crichton, that spawned a franchise including several sequels and videogames. Kids will see people and animals being hunted and eaten by realistic-looking dinosaurs. While there's little blood and gore (although one scene gruesomely involves a severed arm), there's tons of suspense, many "jump-scare" scenes, and some chases/crashes. Expect a bit of swearing (including a few instances of "s--t"). Adults smoke and drink. The film shows how teamwork, determination, and intelligence can help you survive the most dangerous situations. Female characters are shown as strong and capable problem-solvers, but all of the lead characters are White and the only one who isn't thin is used as comic relief. Younger tweens may be able to handle the fright factor with an adult at hand, but sensitive children should wait a bit longer. 

Project: Consider lessons that this film is trying to convey. Pick one and write a 5 paragraph essay on that lesson. Include: your thoughts on if the movie adequately taught the lesson, what they could have done to improve and what they did well? Include final thoughts on if you would follow the lesson or not given the chance. Why?


5							                                                                    Divergent 2014
							                                                                    Rated PG-13, 143 Min.
							                                                                    Common Sense 14+, Parents 12+

Parents need to know that Divergent is the first adaptation of author Veronica Roth's best-selling dystopian trilogy. Set in a future Chicago, the movie is slightly less violent than the book but still depicts the brutal world of a post-apocalyptic society divided into factions or groups. People are killed, orphaned, injured, and thoroughly beat up in bloody hand-to-hand combat (including guy-on-girl fist fights), violent bullying, an armed occupation, and mass killings of unarmed people. There's a central romance, but it remains fairly chaste -- only some longing looks, embraces and one extended, passionate kiss. The movie features a brave, vulnerable, and fierce female main character.

Project: Create a collage that contrasts and compares the different factions. Include: 2 quotes not just the faction sayings, a summary of each faction, main characters, colors, symbols, graphics, and what faction you would have wanted to be a part of and why.

6							                                                    Men In Black 1997
                                                                                                            Rated PG-13, 113 Min.
                                                                                                            Common Sense 12+, Parents 11+

Parents need to know that comic mayhem and gross-out creatures from other planets define Men in Black. Scary creatures and life-threatening situations are frequent. The film, however, is as clever as it is exaggerated; some of the most destructive violence is implied, happening just off-camera. Still, young or sensitive kids who can't readily distinguish fantasy from reality may be disturbed by the barrage of exploding insects, grotesque morphing from human to alien life form, and cartoon violence (characters blow up, are vaporized, stabbed, shot with ray guns, and more). There's plenty of swearing ("damn," "goddamn," "bastard," "hell," "s--t") and a few insults, including "d--k" and "pr--k"). 

Project: Imagine that we have aliens hiding all around us like in MIB. Imagine you are working as an agent and have been assigned the new alien registration desk. You need to create a welcome packet for a new alien. Include: a picture of this original alien (one you create), the name of the species, what they eat, what their normal behavior is, any special needs they have, (temperature, water, ect.) the job they will have on Earth, their new backstory and history, where they will live, accommodations, mentor, and rules they should be following.

7							                                                      Coraline 2009
							                                                      Rated PG-13, 100 Min.
							                                                     Common Sense 9+, Parents 10+

Parents need to know that Coraline will scare young kids. Slightly less creepy than the book on which it was based, the movie is still quite dark, and the "other" world that Coraline discovers turns into a frightening, dangerous place where she could very well die (and other ghost children already have). Your young kids may be interested in seeing the movie thanks to the massive marketing campaign, but this isn't an age-appropriate pick for them. This movie deals with mature themes -- being careful what you wish for, thinking the grass is always greener, and being disappointed in your parents -- that are best suited for tweens and up. Language is mostly insults (like "jerkwad" and "idiot"), and sexuality is limited to two scantily dressed elderly actresses in one memorable scene.

Project: You will create your own “Coraline” like doll of yourself. Include: Quote from movie, On the body of the doll - list 3 things you have thought are better for someone else. On the arms - list 6 times you have been grateful for your family. On the legs - list 5 ways you have helped someone in your family. Clearly number each and write a summary about what this movie made you think about when it comes to how we see members of our families. 

8							                                                            The Green Knight 2021
							                                                            Rated R 125 Min.
						                                                                    Common Sense 15+ Parents 16+

Parents need to know that The Green Knight is a mature medieval fantasy-adventure rooted in the King Arthur legend -- specifically, the story of brave Sir Gawain (Dev Patel). Violence includes humans and creatures being beheaded (blood shown), a drunken fight with punching, a dead body pierced with arrows, a field full of dead bodies, cut hands (more blood), and other creepy/eerie stuff (skeletons, dead animals, etc.). A couple has sex, with thrusting but no nudity. A woman makes hand motions near a man's crotch; he writhes and moans, and white ejaculate is shown on his hands and clothing. A man's naked bottom is shown, and a band of traveling giants includes topless female giants. A man kisses a woman on the cheek and a man on the mouth. Before the quest, the main character is frequently drunk and later eats wild mushrooms and hallucinates. Overall, it's entrancing and highly recommended but also dreamlike and disorienting. 

Project: Based on this movie and any information you have about the King Aurthor legends. Write an original short story that could fit into this world. This is a new adventure or quest. Minimum 1,000 words. 

9							                                                        Arrival 2016
							                                                        Rated PG-13 116 Min.
							                                                        Common Sense 11+, Parents 12+

Parents need to know that Arrival is a deeply thoughtful sci-fi movie about trying to communicate with aliens rather than defeat them. It presents battle and war as last resorts, with only frightened, desperate people looking to violence as a solution. It champions education, compassion, and curiosity and has a strong female lead character (Amy Adams). Brief, upsetting hospital scenes show a girl dying of an invasive disease, and there's an explosion and the threat of war. Language is infrequent, although there is one use of "f--k." Other words heard are more along the lines of "screw it," "God no," "I hate you," and "idiot." One adult character drinks wine, and there are references to a married relationship, a budding romance, and a hug. Although the movie is slow-paced, it's a great, exceptionally compassionate pick for families with curious, thoughtful tweens and teens.

Project: Make a video 2.5 min. (can you stock film, and video clips) showing the past, present, and possible future of yourself. Think if the aliens were communicating with you and showed you this, would you make changes if you could? Include: a paragraph explaining if you would make changes and why?

10							                                                            I am Legend 2007
							                                                            Rated PG-13, 101 Min.
							                                                            Common Sense 14+, Parents 14+

Parents need to know that although this cerebral action thriller is quite clean when it comes to language and sexual content, it deals with intense subjects like the fall of mankind and the fight for survival. It's not for kids who get scared, since it gets pretty terrifying, especially when the mutants take their turn onscreen. They jump out of nowhere, and the movie makes the most of that suspense to heighten the audience's response. Overall, the movie is very sobering -- and, unlike many Will Smith thrillers, it's light on the fun. Still, teens will want to see it and will be intrigued by the special effects and the edge-of-your-seat action. 

Project: There are many ways that people envision the end of the world. One of the most popular is with zombies/mutants. Write a 5 paragraph paper on this trope. Include: Why are zombies/mutants so popular in your opinion. What kind of enemy do they represent? What do you think are your chances of survival against zombies/mutants? 

11							                                                  The 5th Wave 2016
							                                                  Rated PG-13 112 Min.
							                                                  Common Sense 13+, Parents 12+

Parents need to know that The 5th Wave is based on Rick Yancey's best-selling YA sci-fi alien-invasion thriller. Like the book, the movie features end-of-the-world catastrophes, deaths, and violence (mostly from bullet wounds, but also from natural disasters and a worldwide killer virus), but it's not quite as graphically violent as The Hunger Games trilogy. Focusing mostly on Cassie Sullivan (Chloe Grace Moretz), the story features about as much romance as the first Divergent movie (a couple of passionate kisses, the apparently requisite shot of a shirtless hunk) and a few uses of strong language (including one exclamation of "f--king," plus "s--t," "ass," "dumbass," "bulls--t," etc.). Cassie is a brave and determined main character, but fans of the book series will want to discuss whether the filmmakers fully captured her personality -- and those of most of the characters portrayed in the movie.

Project: Consider why post-apocalyptic/dystopian is so heavily featured in Sci-fi. Write a 5 paragraph essay on post-apocalyptic/dystopian popularity. Include: Why you think its so popular, what draws you into these types of stories, and if there is any type of world you would want to live in which one would it be.

12							                                                     Eragon 2006
							                                                    Rated PG-13, 104 Min.
							                                                    Common Sense 9+, Parents 10+

Parents need to know that the movie's content is just right for the target 'tweener audience. It has its scary moments, with several scenes featuring dark woods, eerie wind, abrupt violence, big battles and a frightening evil wizard with red and black makeup. Swords, arrows, and spears produce some bloody wounds and several dead bodies, and one-on-one fight scenes include kicking, punching, swordplay, and falling. Eragon confronts and feels guilty about a family member's death (the corpse is visible, with a bloody face). 

 Project: Create a picture to capture the story. This can be digital, painting, collage, or drawing. Compile a montage of scenes depicting one of the characters adventures or journeys. Include: The name, a quote, and summary of their journey.

13 							                                                 Serenity 2005
                                                                                                         Rated PG-13 119 MIn.
                                                                                                         Common Sense 13+, Parents 14+

Parents need to know that the movie based on the cult TV series Firefly includes some rambunctious action, drawn from both Western and science-fiction conventions. They fight with their fists, guns, and other implements; they also engage in chase scenes on speedy hovering vehicles. Space battles -- between space ships -- result in some raucous explosion and shoot-out scenes. Some aggressive, martial-artsy fighting. Characters drink and smoke in a bar. One couple kisses and looks to be headed to off-screen sex; one character has designed a robot to service him (the implication is that she's a sexual companion). A woman crewmember sees her husband killed, suddenly and brutally.

Project: Create a 1 page creative artistic representation of the movie include a minimum: 5 adjectives that describe the movie, key characters, your overall opinion of the movie, 3 adjectives about the setting, 1 quote, 3 graphics, symbols, pictures, or images. 


14							The 13th Warrior 1999
							Rated R 102 Min.
							Common Sense 15+, Parents 10+

Parents need to know that The 13th Warrior is a historical action adventure with bloody violence -- including beheadings -- and some sexist language. The movie stars Antonio Banderas as real-life figure Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan -- a Muslim ambassador who journeyed across Asia and Europe in the 10th century -- although the story is broadly an adaption of the Beowulf legend. This sees Muslim and Scandinavian characters working together, which involves overcoming some initial cultural differences. But noticeably a number of characters -- including Ahmed -- are not cast in line with their ethnicity and female characters are marginalized throughout. Violence is frequent and bloody, combined with a fantasy element. Because of the era, most of the battles involve swords and other sharp instruments. Mythical beings are seen beheading humans with many bloody injuries and deaths. Sex barely features, although Ahmed is exiled after he falls in love with another man's wife. There is little swearing, but there are several instances of sexist language being used that stereotypes women as being physically weak. Derogatory comments are also made about Arabs. There is some drinking, with a number of the Viking characters shown as being drunk.
Project: Create a 1 page creative artistic representation of the movie include a minimum: 5 adjectives that describe the movie, key characters, your overall opinion of the movie, 3 adjectives about the setting, 1 quote, 3 graphics, symbols, pictures, or images. 

Project: Create a 1 page creative artistic representation of the movie include a minimum: 5 adjectives that describe the movie, key characters, your overall opinion of the movie, 3 adjectives about the setting, 1 quote, 3 graphics, symbols, pictures, or images.