Film and Literature as Modern Mythmaking

Storytelling has always been the primary way humans make sense of the world, from ancient oral traditions to modern cinema. This text-based course guides you through the intersection of philosophy, literature, and film, showing you how classic myths are adapted and reinvented for modern audiences. You will transition from a passive consumer of media to an active, analytical reader who can decode the deeper philosophical and mythological structures embedded in popular stories. Through structured readings and analytical exercises, you will master the vocabulary of narrative theory and visual storytelling techniques. What you'll learn: - Understand the core concepts of mythmaking and how classical Western archetypes persist in modern media. - Analyze how directors and authors use specific creative techniques to convey philosophical themes. - Examine the structural parallels between literary texts and cinematic narratives. - Evaluate modern mythmaking patterns, including contemporary franchise storytelling and speculative fiction. - Apply narrative theory frameworks to dissect character arcs, symbolic motifs, and thematic depth. - Practice writing compelling, structured analyses of films and literary works. The course begins with foundational definitions of myth, archetype, and narrative structure before moving into comparative analyses of classic texts and modern cinematic adaptations. You will progress from basic terminology to advanced thematic deconstruction through guided written reflections. This course is designed for aspiring writers, filmmakers, literature enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the deeper meanings behind the stories we tell. No prior background in film studies or literary theory is required. Discover the timeless patterns that shape our cultural narratives and elevate your analytical skills today.