Stranger Things Camp: Writing and Discussion
In this class, students will learn film and popular culture analysis using "Stranger Things."
Cori Chapman
Average rating:
4.5
Number of reviews:(112)
What's included
8 live meetings
7 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursHomework
4+ hours per week. A few short assignmentsAssessment
Learner progress is assessed through participation, and through the progression in their assignments.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Class 1: The first class will focus on introductions to each other and to the class. Students will know what to expect from the class and receive an overview of film elements before starting the series again. Students will learn how to view Stranger Things in the same way they would view a novel.
Homework: Watch season 1, episodes 1-4 and take notes to be turned in
Class 2: This class will cover the episodes 1-4, and focus on the time period the story takes place, which will be discussed more throughout the course. I will also use this time to cover the basics of doing research in order to learn more about how the history might affect the storyline.
Homework: Watch season 1, episodes 5-8 and write down 3 talking points for discussion for next class.
Class 3: This class will cover the episodes watched and circle through the talking points. Then, we will discuss fandoms and how fan culture interacts with forms of media, whether it be comics, books, television, or films. How does Stranger Things compare? How might fans interact with it?
Homework: Watch Season 2, episodes 1, 2, and 3. Students will answer a few short answer questions and turn in: Does it seem like there is a target age group for Stranger Things? Why? Analyze one scene from any episode this week using the film elements. What is Dungeons and Dragons, and how does it directly influence the story (Question will require research)?
Class 4: We will cover the answers to the questions in the homework as well as the episodes watched. We will go over terminology including allusion, remediation, intertextuality, etc. using clips from Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World, The Shining, and Supernatural for examples. Do we see all of these in action in Stranger Things so far? Do we not? Why or why not?
Homework: Watch season 2, episodes 4, 5, and 6, and then write a couple short paragraphs analyzing these episodes.
Class 5: We will discuss the episodes and analyze the story so far. I will give students an in depth description of outlining and writing in the context of what has been learned so far. We will discuss underlying themes within the show.
Homework: Watch season 2, episodes 7, 8, and 9, and prepare an outline
Class 6: This class will cover the episodes, and work on thesis writing. We will recap concepts we've previously touched on and what is relevant in terms of the writing assignment.
Homework: Watch season 3, episodes 1, 2, and 3, and write a paragraph about nostalgia in Stranger Things and another paragraph about remediation.
Class 7: Season 3 differs from the first 2 seasons in that the kids are now older, and face new foes. The season released on the 4th of July weekend and takes place during that same time. In a coming of age show, what are the immediate changes so far?
Homework: Watch season 3, episodes 4, 5, and 6 and take notes to turn in. Consider everything learned up to this point.
Class 8: We will go over the season so far using the terminology learned. We will discuss the character development of each kid as they have grown so far.
Homework: Finish season 3Learning Goals
Students will learn to improve their critical thinking and writing skills while also learning how to view a television show as an academic text.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The series is TV-14 due to violent content and mature themes. The series does contain some explicit language as well. Other clips from other TV shows/movies are also used (see above) to better explain the terminology.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined February, 2019
4.5
112reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in English from Syracuse University
Students tend to be more engaged when they have an actual interest in the content; I personally found that learning how to write well was easier when it involved topics I enjoyed rather than being forced to read books I found outdated and boring in high school. Any medium can be studied academically, including video games, television shows, books, comic books, and films. When I joined Outschool, I wanted to teach writing while also focusing on subjects that I am passionate about, and that students may be passionate about as well, like Stranger Things. While earning a degree in English, I learned how to write quality essays on numerous topics including film studies which is a part of English that is both interesting and engaging. As a teacher, I like to create courses that are both challenging and fun.Reviews
Live Group Class
$105
for 8 classes2x per week, 4 weeks
55 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
3-9 learners per class
