Film as Literature
Exploring Characterization with Legally Blonde
Do you know how to "read" a film? It's a lot like reading a book, and it requires careful attention to things like themes, characterization, dialogue, and more!
In this class, you'll gain key academic reading skills by viewing film as literature.
We'll watch Legally Blonde to discuss characterization. How do authors create characters? What strategies do they use to tell us how to view them? What happens when they defy the expectations of their characterization?
Gain Key Academic Writing and Reading Foundations
Students will learn foundational academic writing and reading skills including attention to detail, exploration of literary themes, note-taking, and discussion. They will practice these skills through themed writing assignments based on the film and supplemental materials.
Meet Live Weekly
This is a live class, which means we meet weekly to discuss the reading and explore writing tips. Learners can also interact with each other and the instructor between class meetings on our class discussion boards.
Provided materials include reading guides and activities to help with vocabulary and comprehension as well as writing tips to apply to short, informal writing assignments.
Course Details
Ages
11-16
Schedule
August 24-September 20, 2026 with live meetings on Wednesdays from 11-11:45am Eastern
Supplies
- Access to Legally Blonde (2001) for the duration of the class (rentals are fine!)
- Microphone and camera for in-class participation
- PDF Reader
- Zoom (free account)
- Learners will submit work through Google Drive (a Google (Gmail) account can be acquired for free)
Time Commitment
Class meets for 45 minutes each week for 4 weeks.
Students can expect to spend 3-5 hours outside of meeting time on the class each week.
Final projects are flexible, and learners who choose to do so could spend significantly more time in the last two weeks of class on their final projects.
Is this the right fit?
This class is designed to be accessible to a range of students, and the final project is adaptable to meet a variety of needs in terms of difficulty. To be successful in this class, students should be able to:
- Write about 500 words (about 2 pages double spaced) on a single topic
- Confidently read texts at or above 800L on the Lexile rating
- Participate in group discussions respectfully
This class is a good fit for both middle and high school learners who want to practice literary analysis skills in a fun and engaging environment.
Skills Gained
Students will practice literary analysis skills around a specific theme while watching and discussing a film.
The class will culminate in a final project that allows personal exploration of that theme.
Individual Support
All students will receive individualized video feedback on all rough drafts that specifically addresses their rough draft submissions.
My teaching philosophy very much focuses on starting with students’ strengths to build confidence and using them to work on improvements over time.
Feedback is tailored to each student’s individual needs and goals. I also encourage a lot of self-reflection and provide opportunities for students to directly communicate their challenges so that facing them with strategies becomes a normal part of the writing process.
Content Warning
Legally Blonde is rated PG-13 and contains some sexual references and jokes and some stereotypes (some explored critically and others less so — including some about gay men).
Families are encouraged to pre-screen the film if they have any concerns.
Meet Your Teacher!
