The Hero's Journey in Film

Joseph Campbell's "The Hero's Journey" comes to life for today's student in this class demonstrating it through contemporary literature and film.  

The first week, we will learn what "The Hero's Journey" is and how it applies to so much of what we see around us.  We will also discuss the end-of-class project and the expectations for it.

During weeks 2-12, we will discuss  the movies or stories assigned and describe how they follow "The Hero's Journey."  

The final week will consist of student presentations.  Each student will choose a story that we haven't discussed in class to create a presentation around in order to teach the rest of class about "The Hero's Journey" through it.  This will only be a short, five-minute presentation and can be done any number of creative ways.  It should be noted that this class may run under or over time, based on how closely students adhere to the allotted time limit.  

Week 2: Harry Potter (series - books or movies)
Week 3: Star Wars (original trilogy - episodes 4-6)
Week 4: Lord of the Rings (trilogy - books or movies)
Week 5: Hansel and Gretel (original Bros. Grimm version)
Week 6: Billy Madison
Week 7: Lion King
Week 8: Back to the Future
Week 9: Men in Black
Week 10: Spiderman (2002)
Week 11: The Most Dangerous Game (short story)
Week 12: Life is Beautiful

Week 13: Presentations

Students will be required to view or read assignments the week before class (even if they've already done so in the past) in order to be prepared for discussion and Q & A.  In order for class to work, this must occur.  Meaningful participation is required.