Literature on Film 2 - High School ELA
Courtney Runchey
Star Educator
Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(35)
In this 14-week ELA class students will explore literature through film commonly taught. Students will be expected to watch each movie before class each week. This is a great way for learners of many abilities to access literary works.
Class experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
In this 14-week ELA class High School students will explore 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. Film is an excellent way to gain exposure to an array of modern...
14 lessons//14 Weeks
Week 1Lesson 1The Hitchhiker's Guide to the GalaxyStudents having watched the movie will discuss the themes from the film. They will learn about the relevant history of the novel the film is based on. We will also talk about how when adapting novels to film choices are made on how to tell the story.Week 2Lesson 2Great ExpectationsStudents having watched the movie will discuss the themes from the film. They will learn about the relevant history of the novel the film is based on. We will also talk about how when adapting novels to film choices are made on how to tell the story.Week 3Lesson 3The Grapes of WrathStudents having watched the movie will discuss the themes from the film. They will learn about the relevant history of the novel the film is based on. We will also talk about how when adapting novels to film choices are made on how to tell the story.Week 4Lesson 4Of Mice and MenStudents having watched the movie will discuss the themes from the film. They will learn about the relevant history of the novel the film is based on. We will also talk about how when adapting novels to film choices are made on how to tell the story.Week 5Lesson 5The Book ThiefStudents having watched the movie will discuss the themes from the film. They will learn about the relevant history of the novel the film is based on. We will also talk about how when adapting novels to film choices are made on how to tell the story.Week 6Lesson 6The GiverStudents having watched the movie will discuss the themes from the film. They will learn about the relevant history of the novel the film is based on. We will also talk about how when adapting novels to film choices are made on how to tell the story.Week 7Lesson 7Ender's GameStudents having watched the movie will discuss the themes from the film. They will learn about the relevant history of the novel the film is based on. We will also talk about how when adapting novels to film choices are made on how to tell the story.Week 8Lesson 8Death on the NileStudents having watched the movie will discuss the themes from the film. They will learn about the relevant history of the novel the film is based on. We will also talk about how when adapting novels to film choices are made on how to tell the story.Week 9Lesson 9The Boy Who Harnessed the WindStudents having watched the movie will discuss the themes from the film. They will learn about the relevant history of the novel the film is based on. We will also talk about how when adapting novels to film choices are made on how to tell the story.Week 10Lesson 10Sense and SensibilityStudents having watched the movie will discuss the themes from the film. They will learn about the relevant history of the novel the film is based on. We will also talk about how when adapting novels to film choices are made on how to tell the story.Week 11Lesson 11Crouching Tiger, Hidden DragonStudents having watched the movie will discuss the themes from the film. They will learn about the relevant history of the novel the film is based on. We will also talk about how when adapting novels to film choices are made on how to tell the story.Week 12Lesson 12Hidden FiguresStudents having watched the movie will discuss the themes from the film. They will learn about the relevant history of the novel the film is based on. We will also talk about how when adapting novels to film choices are made on how to tell the story.Week 13Lesson 13The MartianStudents having watched the movie will discuss the themes from the film. They will learn about the relevant history of the novel the film is based on. We will also talk about how when adapting novels to film choices are made on how to tell the story.Week 14Lesson 14Much Ado About NothingStudents having watched the movie will discuss the themes from the film. They will learn about the relevant history of the novel the film is based on. We will also talk about how when adapting novels to film choices are made on how to tell the story.
Students will gain a base knowledge of the literature covered in class. Including overall plot, themes, major characters, and what was exceptional about this to make it a staple of many high schools.
I have worked in education for over 15 years, the last 9 as a homeschool parent. My passion is helping students create a deeper understanding of complex material by examining different perspectives. The stories that are told matter, even more in today's world. Understanding another perspective and story can help us relate. I love sharing new diverse literature that is engaging and expands students' understanding. History can come alive using both novels and primary source materials in my classes. When examining history there are many factors that we will discuss including socioeconomic, religious, bias in narration and understanding who the narrator is. Critical thinking is a skill that all students will work on, while we engage in discussions about the topics covered students will be questioned to consider different perspectives and reasons for events or choices. I have taught at a local homeschool co-op for over 7 years (in person and online) During that time one of my favorite classes has been running the middle and high school book clubs. Beside introducing books to students; I have been facilitating the discussions around difficult topics. I have attended many teacher professional developments over the years focusing on how to handle these difficult topics with sensitivity and care. I started my schooling with a B.B.A. from Northwood University. After several years in the corporate climate I decided to go back to school to get a teaching degree. I attended Eastern Michigan University and finished my classes and testing required for the teaching degree. The semester I was to start student teaching one of my children became seriously ill. Once they were recovered I was starting to homeschool my children and never went back to finish the program. While I have taught at several homeschool groups and co-ops. My experience at the high school has focused on several topics: English, History, Finance, and Engineering. With my love of books I ran the middle and high school book clubs for over 5 years. During this time I have also taught classes on essay writing, short stories, grammar and mechanics of writing and novel analysis. I ran the book club and novel analysis class together exploring a new book each month. The class was split into two, one with a middle grade selection and one with a YA book selection. I worked hard to select new books that were diverse, own voices, and covered many genres.(24 books a year) I facilitated discussions about the books we read. This included plot, themes, symbolism, character development, and more. My students have also participated in NaNoWriMo and Camp NaNoWriMo. I created the Literature through film series at the request of students. While we were reading excellent books and engaging with the primary source material. Students, especially my reluctant or slow readers, wanted to learn about the "classics" without giving up the book club. Some of these students had just started to enjoy reading or couldn't complete 2 novels a month. By using film students were exposed to 14 book-to-film adaptations in one semester. We were able to still discuss all the major elements of our novel analysis. I used passages from the text to discuss unique grammar usage. Some students enjoyed it so much they even read a book or two after watching the movies. With my History classes I use a combination of primary sources, articles, reference materials, and videos to teach students. I teach students to evaluate the bias of the author, the purpose of the piece of writing, and who's points of views are put forth. We were often trying to look at marginalized peoples stories that may not always be highlighted. I have taught both Howard Zinn's History for Young People, Big History Project, and History through film. The classes I taught under Finance, Entrepreneurship and Accounting. While covering the topics themselves I find that students do well with hands-on application of studies. For example my Finance class besides learning the basics of finance. Students researched careers, living locations, wages, housing expenses, job growth or decline projections in the area of their chosen field and living location. With that information they made a budget, calculated mortgage rates, loan interest rates, amount of student loan debt they anticipated and payment schedules. They considered the impact of credit scores and of credit card debt at different interest rates. We also did a class long mock investment tracking, investments over time, and retirement series. Our group was lucky enough to have access to Lego Education Kits. I taught several classes with engineering challenges and using the kits materials. My Outschool engineering classes are based on those I taught at the homeschool groups but do not require a kit.
Homework Offered
Students need to watch the movie before class each week. Students need to complete 4 projects. There is a project offered after each movie. I encourage students to pick projects from movies they enjoyed. If you are a homeschool student using this class for credit please contact me with any requirement you need. I will be happy to help you pick projects that will align with your states requirements.1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Students are graded 20% per project (80% total), 20% class participation. Students only need to do 4 projects. If you have any questions or need accommodations please contact me. Everyone can be successful in my classes.Grades Offered
Students are required to watch each movie before class. Many are available online or at local libraries. No other accounts are required for this class.
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
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 Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Rated PG-13, 2000 2 hrs
Common Sense Says 12+, Parents Say 13+, Kids Say 12+
Parents need to know that Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is the multiple Oscar-winning movie from 2000 directed by Ang Lee. Unsurprisingly, this movie features martial-arts violence and battles. Most of these battles are bloodless, but one character is killed when a blade is hurtled into his forehead. Major characters are killed, and one death could be interpreted as suicide. Although the women are treated with complete equality and are equal to or superior to the men in judgment and combat, one female character expresses bitterness that she was not permitted to train as a warrior. A female lead character is called a "little whore." In one scene, sex is strongly implied between two characters, although there is no nudity. In another scene, a woman's nipples are exposed through her wet shirt.
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.Students are required to watch each movie before class. Many are available online or at local libraries. No other accounts are required for this class.
Star Educator
Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(35)
I have worked in education for over 15 years, the last 9 as a homeschool parent. My passion is helping students create a deeper understanding of complex material by examining different perspectives. The stories that are told matter, even more in...
Group Class
$17
weekly or $225 for 14 classes1x per week, 14 weeks
50 min
Completed by 19 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
3-12 learners per class
