Screenwriting is a grade 11-12 English course. Students engage in close reading of complex and professional texts (screenplays, news stories, novels, plays), analysis of historical and existing professional screenwriting standards and models, and apply both to a focused feature-length screenplay project. Students will compare texts and learn to adapt any text into the visual storytelling techniques of a screenplay. Students begin by learning to write a shot, then a scene, sequence and then act. In addition, students will learn how to complete a scene, use dialogue properly, understand and use three-act structure. More broadly, they The students will learn to identify theme and develop meaningful themes for their own work, and all of this will culminate in their ability to The students will also recognize and develop the power of the moving image. The course will culminate in a researched screenplay or screenplays the students will use for their portfolio.

Additional Expectations: This is an upper-level high school English course. The workload and expectations are intended to prepare students for the approaching SAT and college application essays.

Note:  Juniors and seniors may choose between African American Literature, American Literature, British Literature, Introduction to Philosophy, and Philosophy in Literature. The courses are equal in work and requirements. If juniors wish to join the AP track, they select AP Language & Composition, followed by AP Literature & Composition their senior year if they remain in Advanced Placement classes.