Courses in Stories, Myths, and Worldbuilding

This course will dive into the captivating world of Japanese mythology and folklore through the lens of animated movies, where gods, spirits, and legendary monsters come to life! In this class, you'll learn the stories of kami and yokai, learn more about the Shinto and Buddhist religions, and get behind-the-scenes info on iconic mythical creatures and deities while exploring how they inspire some of Japan's most famous animated films. 

 

Why do myths about heroes, monsters, and villains continue to shape the stories we love today, from ancient epics to modern books, films, and graphic novels? In this creative course, students explore classical Greek and Roman myths while examining how ideas of heroism, power, responsibility, and identity are built, challenged, and reimagined across time. Students study key mythic characters, symbols, and story structures, asking who gets to be called a hero and why. Alongside close reading and discussion, students become creators themselves, adapting mythological tools, archetypes, and moral dilemmas to invent original characters and narratives that reflect their own interests and values. By the end of the course, students gain a deeper understanding of why myths endure and how ancient stories continue to inspire new worlds, heroes, and meanings today.

This course invites students who enjoy stories, ideas, and language to become part of a supportive reading and writing community, where every word matters. Students closely read short stories and excerpts, discuss them together, and reflect in journals to build vocabulary, interpretation skills, and critical thinking. At the same time, students learn how writers work: choosing topics, studying craft moves they admire, drafting original fiction and short-form pieces, and revising through feedback. Along the way, students experiment with formats that reward precision and creativity, from punchy micro-stories and vivid scenes to book bios, headlines, pitches, promos, and short scripts. By reading thoughtfully and writing often, students grow as confident readers, purposeful writers, and engaged thinkers.