$9

weekly

or $65 for all content

Writing About Film and Television

Ages 13-18

Self-Paced Course

"Writing About Film and Television" is an engaging, self-paced online class designed to teach students how to analyze movies and TV shows critically while improving their writing skills. Media literacy is a valuable skill.

Paige Wallace

New on Outschool

8 pre-recorded lessons

8 weeks of teacher support

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1 year of access to the content

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Go at your own pace

Your learner can start learning when they want and progress at the speed that works best for them.

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About Learning Overview Schedule Teacher Reviews

What's included

8 pre-recorded lessons

8 weeks

of teacher support

1 year access

to the content

Projects

1-2 hours per week. 1-2 throughout the class

Letter Grade

1-2 throughout the class

Class Experience

US Grade 8 - 12

This class will teach students how to critically analyze films and TV shows, write engaging reviews and essays, and explore storytelling techniques. They will learn about cinematic elements like cinematography, sound design, character development, themes, and symbolism. The course content will include introduction to film and TV analysis, the 
fundamentals of narrative (plot, theme, tropes, characters),  Cinematic techniques (visuals, sound, editing, mis-en-scene), adaptations, remakes, reboots, episodic structure, writing reviews and essays, developing critical thesis statements, revision, multimodal compositions, and drafting. 

The class is structured into 8 weeks, with each week focusing on a specific topic. Each week includes: 
Video Lessons with clear explanations of the week's concepts
Interactive Activities that allow students to test their knowledge about the week's concepts. These activities might be writing exercises, scene analysis, or creative projects.
Instructor feedback on activities and working draft of review essay. 

My teaching style is interactive and engaging, with a mix of video lessons, written exercises, and creative projects to cater to different learning styles. Students will receive clear, step-by-step guidance for each task and can reach out for individualized support if needed. I am open and available to answer questions or adjust activities as needed. I focus on making learning fun and approachable by breaking down complex ideas into manageable steps. I encourage critical thinking and creativity, tailoring feedback to help students grow as writers while exploring their unique voices.

Learning Goals

Analyzing film and television

Writing media reviews

Syllabus

8 Lessons

over 8 Weeks

Lesson 1:

Introduction to Media Studies

 This lesson will discuss media studies as a field as well as media literacy. Students will review examples of film and television critique and reflect on what makes a great critique. We will also review the key elements for storytelling.

1 assignment

Lesson 2:

Understanding Media Analysis

 Students will explore the basics of cinematography, editing, and sound design. They will question how these techniques shape storytelling and mood and practice writing about how a specific scene uses visuals or sound to convey emotion.

Lesson 3:

Television versus Film: What's the Big Difference?

 This lesson will explore the major differences between TV and film storytelling. We will focus on understanding form like episodic vs. serialized as well as content. Students will practice writing a compare/contrast short essay.

Lesson 4:

Everybody's a Critic: Film Reviews

 This lesson will focus on how creators make meaning using visuals and symbolism. We will focus on identifying and analyzing deeper meanings in stories. Students will also begin drafting their own film or television review.

Other Details

Learning Needs

The self-paced structure allows students to work at their own speed, with clear instructions and engaging multimedia resources to support different learning styles. Assignments can be tailored to individual needs.

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Paige Wallace

Joined January, 2025

New on Outschool

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

I bring a robust academic and professional background to teaching "Writing About Film and Television." I hold a Ph.D. in English from Florida State University with a focus on American literature and media studies, as well as teaching experience in writing and critical analysis. I have taught "Writing About Film" as part of my curriculum at Florida State University, giving me direct experience in guiding students to explore cinematic techniques, narrative structures, and media literacy.

In addition to my academic qualifications, I have designed and taught courses across diverse institutions,  where I worked with students aged 15 and older. My teaching approach emphasizes critical thinking and creativity, ensuring that learners can connect their personal interests to the material.

With publications in media studies and eco-media, as well as a podcast on literature and teaching, I bring a multidisciplinary perspective to my instruction. My passion for storytelling and media literacy ensures that learners not only build strong analytical and writing skills but also gain a deeper appreciation for the art of filmmaking and television.