怪奇物語：學習寫分析論文

Historical references include: 
Cold War - it affects the entire plot
AIDS Crisis - Will struggles with his identity which is suppressed even more by public opinion of gay men which increased during the height of AIDS

Week 1: The first class will focus on introductions to each other and to the class. They will state name, preferred pronouns, a fun fact, and a favorite character. 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

Week 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.

Week 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)?

Week 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. 

Week 5: We will discuss the episodes and analyze the story so far. I will give students an in depth description of outlining and essay writing in the context of what has been learned so far. We will discuss underlying themes within the show and prepare for a short essay.
         Homework: Watch season 2, episodes 7, 8, and 9, and prepare an outline for the first essay.

Week 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 essay assignment.
         Homework: Watch season 3, episodes 1, 2, and 3, and write the first essay of at least 5 paragraphs, no less than 3 pages.

Week 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.

Week 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 3 and write an essay of 5 paragraphs minimum, 3 pages maximum on the character development of 1 character. How have their morals changed? What conflicts have they gone through? What is his/her significance to the story?