Unmasking Heroes and Villains in Film and Literature
In this 6-week, self-paced course, students will explore, analyze, evaluate the motivations, conflicts, and transformations that define heroes and villains in a story of their choice.
Christina Nielsen
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(63)
What's included
6 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentAssignments
2-4 hours per week. 1-2 per weekAssessment
Feedback will be provided for any assignments turned in by students.Letter Grade
includedCertificate of Completion
includedClass Experience
Intermediate - Advanced Level
Unmasking Heroes and Villains is a self-paced deep dive course that allows students to analyze the journeys of central heroes and villains in the story of their choice. Through guided lessons, students will explore themes of power, morality, identity, and transformation, examining how characters evolve into complex figures of villainy and heroism. By comparing the motivations, conflicts, and relationships that villains have with their respective heroes, students will uncover the deeper storytelling dynamics that challenge traditional notions of good and evil. The course culminates in a comparative analysis essay, where students use their own characters to analyze, comparing their journeys, decisions, and influence within their stories. With a focus on critical thinking, analytical writing, and creative interpretation, this course offers a unique opportunity to unravel the complexities of traditional narratives of heroism and villainy in film and literature. ***Step Up For Students/Florida Tax Scholarship Recipients - This class is available for direct purchase using your scholarship funds in MSS!***
Learning Goals
Students will learn to support their ideas with effective evidence and refined writing skills.Students will learn critical thinking and analysis skills that they can use in many other classes
Syllabus
6 Lessons
over 6 WeeksLesson 1:
Understanding Heroes
Students will examine the traits that define heroes. They’ll explore how these characters’ values and decisions shape their roles while considering whether heroes can also have flaws. This lesson lays the groundwork for comparing heroes to villains. Lesson 2:
Understanding Villains
Students will analyze the defining traits and motivations of villains. They'll explore how circumstances, choices, and conflicts that shape their paths to villainy, challenging traditional views of what makes a character truly villainous. Lesson 3:
The Hero's Role in Defining the Villain
This lesson explores how heroes shape the perception of their counterparts. Students will analyze the interactions and conflicts between heroes and villains, uncovering how these dynamics reveal deeper themes and define the narrative. Lesson 4:
Challenging Traditional Notions of Good and Evil
Students will explore how their characters challenge ideas of good and evil. The lesson examines how actions and motivations can blur moral lines, revealing deeper themes of power and perspective. Other Details
Parental Guidance
This course requires that students choose a movie, book, or play that they have personally read or watched. They should be able to use strong evidence and direct quotes where applicable to support their stance.
In the lessons, books and films will be discussed when learning about the different hero and villain archetypes. While broad details of the characters will be briefly discussed, these books and films will NOT be assigned to the students as part of the class. Should the students wish to watch any of these, they should be screened by the parents.
Pre-Requisites
Students will need to have watched or read the story they want to use in class. It is helpful if they have regular access to the return to it for reference.
Supply List
Students should have access to the film or book that they want to use for their assignments. It is important that they can return to the film or book multiple times throughout the course.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined September, 2021
4.9
63reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have been teaching this course in an in-person setting for homeschool students in our local community with different films and characters. I have been teaching writing and grammar courses on Outschool for several years. I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, but I have a minor concentration in film analysis with an honor's Senior Capstone in Film Study. Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$17
weekly6 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Completed by 3 learners
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Ages: 13-18
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