Screenwriting is a grade 11-12 English course wherein students engage in close reading of complex and professional texts (screenplays, news stories, novels, plays). In conjuntion with reading, students will analyze historical and existing professional screenwriting standards and models, and they will apply both to a focused feature-length screenplay project. Comparing texts will enable students to learn how to adapt any text into the visual storytelling techniques of a screenplay. Skills taught and practiced will be scaffolded: students begin by learning to write a shot, then a scene, followed by a sequence, and then an act. Other related skills include learning how to complete a scene, use dialogue properly, understand and use three-act structure. As students identify and develop meaningful themes for their own work, they will come to appreciate and power of the moving image. 

Additional Expectations: The workload and expectations are intended to prepare students for college application essays, college-level analysis, and college writing.

Note: Juniors and seniors may choose between American Literature, African American Literature, British Literature, Screenwriting, and Philosophy in Literature. The courses are comparable 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. Introduction to Philosophy Honors (UC Approval pending) may be taken in the junior or senior year; the workload and rigor are commensurate to an AP course.