Learn what makes theme the "heart and soul" of a story
Discover how theme can unify character and plot, making your story more universal
Explore the most common and successful themes in classic and contemporary films
Develop the tools to keep your theme at the forefront of your mind but invisible to the audience so it lands effectively as they watch
About this course:
If structure is the skeleton of a story, theme is its heart and soul. It’s what makes your story universal and what raises it above all those that simply entertain. If your goal is to craft a story that resonates emotionally with a global audience, this course guides you through theme and how it unifies character and plot. Through lectures, discussions, and practical writing assignments, you learn why a clearly defined thematic argument is the foundation of a great story, how theme is different from premise, motif, or subject matter, and how to find it for your story. You explore the most successful and often-used themes in classic and modern films, and apply effective techniques to tap into the thematic argument of your story and make sure it remains “invisible” throughout the story. With so many definitions and misunderstandings, this course demystifies theme once and for all.
This course is held via video teleconference. Instructors use Zoom to offer live class meetings at the designated class meeting time. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.
Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.
Refund Deadline
No refunds after January 17, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Online
Sun Jan 19, 2025
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
Remote ClassroomRemote Learning
Online
Sun Jan 26, 2025
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
Remote ClassroomRemote Learning
Online
Sun Feb 2, 2025
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
Remote ClassroomRemote Learning
Online
Sun Feb 9, 2025
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
Remote ClassroomRemote Learning
Spring 2025 Schedule
Date & Time
Details
Format
-
Thursday 5:00PM - 8:00PM PT
Future Offering (Opens February 03, 2025 12:00:00 AM)
Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.
This course is held via video teleconference. Instructors use Zoom to offer live class meetings at the designated class meeting time. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.
Refund Deadline
Refunds only available from February 03, 2025 to April 13, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Online
Thu Apr 10, 2025
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Thu Apr 17, 2025
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Thu Apr 24, 2025
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Thu May 1, 2025
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Contact Us
Speak to a student advisor. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.
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