Film as Literature
Exploring Multiverses with Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse
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 Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse and discuss multiverses. Class will include viewing guides to help you pull out major threads from the film, discussion to take your observations deeper, and a final project that explores what you've found.
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.
Course Details
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Self-Paced Format: This is a self-paced class, which means you can take as much time as you'd like. The suggested schedule is 4 weeks. This class will require facilitator (parent/guardian/tutor) feedback. Rubrics and feedback guidance are included.
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Find Individual Process: This class is designed to help you think critically and reflect meaningfully on the themes rather than find a single "right" answer.
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Supplies: To participate successfully in class, learners will need the following: PDF Reader, Word Processing Software (such as Google Docs or Microsoft Word), access to Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse
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
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.
Content Warning
Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse is rated PG and has some cartoonish violence and some intense scenes of suspense and high emotions.
Families are encouraged to pre-screen the film if they have any concerns.