Homeschool Connections

Aquinas Writing Advantage

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Pre-College Essentials: Essay Test Mastery for College-Bound Students

COLL-1

Pre-College Essentials:

Essay Test Mastery For
College-Bound Students

Suggested Grade Level: 9th to 12th grade

Heading to college? Take this must-have course
to master the skills of essay writing for tests
in a timed setting -- and be completely prepared
for college-level essay tests...

Your Course Description

Master in-class essay tests with this how-to course with practical, prescriptive, clear direction on how to decipher a prompt, think and process the instructions clearly, quickly brainstorm an answer, and write an essay in a linear narrative format with few errors — to “show the teacher what you know” with style. Learn essay writing secrets from Professor Brown’s 20 years of college-level teaching and college writing course curriculum development at three universities. Come prepared to write — and to enjoy writing!

Your Course Outline

Class 1: The Timed Essay Writing Process: The Goal of an Essay, Types of Essays, and What’s So Special About Timed Essays?
Class 2: Analyzing and Using the Prompt: The Set-Up, Question, and Action
Class 3: Analyzing and Using the Prompt: Using Keywords and “Diamond Words”
Class 4: The Writing Process: Brainstorming with “The Big 10” When You Have to Work Fast (How to Brainstorm Quality Content)
Class 5: The Writing Process: Arranging and Ordering Content for Clarity and Power
Class 6: Writing Essays about Course Content (texts, readings, class materials, and experiences); Tips on Studying and Remembering Content for Essay Questions
Class 7: Writing Essay About (and With) New Ideas: Synthesis
Class 8: Must-Do Essay Tips for Success

Your Course Details

Total Number of Classes: 8

Prerequisite: Required: High School Essential Writing 1-4 (HS 9-1, 9-2, 9-3, & 9-4).

Because this is an advanced course that assumes your student has key writing foundations and the advanced writing how-to’s in place that are specifically taught at Aquinas Writing Advantage (AWA), 9-1 through 9-4 writing courses are required prerequisites.

Students may take the prerequisites in Unlimited Access recording or LIVE.  An alternative to the prerequisite: a passing assessment from the Aquinas Writing Advantage Assessment service. Please contact [email protected] for any questions on permissions.

Suggested Grade Level: 9th to 12th grade

Duration: 55 minutes

Suggested Credit: One (1) full semester’s credit for Writing or English

Course Materials: All materials are provided FREE by the instructor. Students must have the ability to turn in assignments in Microsoft Word format (either through purchasing Word or using Google Docs or another format, then downloading the document into Word format before uploading it into the grading system).

Homework: Written assignments are given each week. The average weekly time estimate for homework (including both brainstorming and writing time) is two (2) to five (5) hours, depending on the student’s abilities.

How this course fits with your other High School Writing courses…

Fall Semester Spring Semester
ACADEMIC WRITING
X-5 Punctuation/Grammar IICOLL-1 Mastering College Essay Writing
ADVANCED FICTION WRITING & LITERARY FORM
X-9 Hero's Journey, Part 1X-10 Hero's Journey, Part 2
X-11 Screenwriting, Part 1X-12 Screenwriting, Part 2
11-6 Authoring a Book, Part 111-8 Authoring a Book, Part 2
11-7 Writing the Short Story X-19 SF/Fantasy Short Story
X-15 Fiction Writing WorkshopX-16 Screenwriting Workshop
CREATIVE WRITING: EXPRESSIVE & POETIC FORMS
X-17 Comedy Writing, Part 1X-18 Comedy Writing, Part 2
X-13 Intro to PoetryX-14 Poetry: Joining the Great Tradition
BUSINESS WRITING
11-9 Pro Business Writing Essentials11-10 Foundations of Journalism

* This is a one-semester course that can be taken at any time during high school after the 9-Series Courses.

Your Instructor

LIVE, INTERACTIVE COURSES

When you sign up for the Live course available Spring 2021, your instructor is the designer and Director of Aquinas Writing Advantage, Erin M. Brown, MA, MFA (aka author EB Conroy/Erin Brown Conroy). Click here to to sign up for the LIVE course.

One Sign Up Option

LIVE, INTERACTIVE COURSE

Students attend a LIVE class in a virtual classroom on a specific day, at a specific time. After class (during the week), the student independently completes the coursework and weekly quizzes; the quizzes are graded automatically by the computer for instant feedback. Your instructor gives feedback on assignments and grades student work; the instructor is available for communication outside of class via email, to help answer questions. Homework time outside of class is estimated to be one to three hours per week, depending on your student’s skills.

SIGN UP FOR A LIVE CLASS HERE

UNLIMITED ACCESS RECORDED COURSE

This course will be available in Unlimited Access recordings in the Summer Semester of 2021.

Specific Course FAQs

Is this course required?

This course is foundational for preparing the student for college-level writing. If a student plans on attending any level of college, university, or specialized post-high school training (any major), take this course to be prepared and make college-level writing easier.

Can I start the COLL-1 course in the Fall Semester?

In the 2020-21 school year, the course is only offered in the Spring Semester in a LIVE class format. The course will be available in Unlimited Access format (the recorded version) Summer 2021.

Can I take another writing course at the same time?

Yes! With the shorter, single-area courses here at Aquinas Writing Advantage, many students take two separate writing courses during a semester. Because the course is college prep, students may want to take the course in their junior or senior year. Any advanced student is welcome to take the course, if the 9-Series prerequisites have been met.

Courses that “fit well” with this course include the advanced fiction writing courses (The Hero’s Journey, Screenwriting, Comedy Writing, and Poetry), the High School Punctuation and Grammar 2 course (to ensure strong punctuation and grammar skills), Journalism, and Business Writing. Students planning on moving directly to a career or vocational training will benefit from the Business Writing course.

Is this course considered an English, Literature, or Writing course?

This is an English and Writing course that prepares your student for college-level writing.

Sign up for a LIVE class here...
SIGN UP FOR UNLIMITED ACCESS TO GET THIS COURSE...

By

The Hero’s Journey & Mythic Structure for Writers, Part One

X-9

Advanced Fiction Writing:

The Hero's Journey &
Mythic Structure for Writers,
Part One

Suggested Grade Level: 9th to 12th grade

Learn advanced story writing structure and the steps of putting a story together-- and get to know all of the major character archetypes (such as the hero, the mentor, the gatekeeper, the herald, and more!). Find out what goes into any story for future college literature class must-haves -- and get the know-how to author your own story.

Your Course Description

This advanced fiction writing course makes your writing and literary knowledge top-tier, as you delve into how to use archetypes and “The Hero’s Journey,” the mythic, overarching structure that most stories follow. You’ll learn the different kinds of typological characters appearing in stories (from the Hero and Mentor, to the Threshold Guardian and Shapeshifter) and use that knowledge to craft your own fiction book — while getting upper-level literature keys to “get the edge” for understanding literature and story. You can take this course in conjunction with any of the other fiction writing courses offered with Homeschool Connections. Whether you plan on going into fiction writing (books, screenwriting, poetry, television writing) or simply want to expand your ability to write with the advanced skills that come from understanding and using mythic structure — this course is for you.

Your Course Outline

Class 1: Archetypes and Story in Fiction Writing

Class 2: The Hero

Class 3: The Mentor– the Wise Old Man or Woman

Class 4: The Threshold Guardian

Class 5: The Herald

Class 6: The Shapeshifter and the Shadow

Class 7: The Ally

Class 8: The Trickster

Your Course Details

Total Number of Classes: 8

Prerequisite: Because many of the concepts in this course dovetail into the Fiction Series courses, it is recommended to have taken or be enrolled in any of the 11-level fiction courses before or while taking this course, but it is not required. Your student will also need Word 2007 or later version or the ability to convert a document to a Word-compatible document.

Suggested Grade Level:  11th grade; however, this course can be taken at any grade level in high school or in professional/continuing education studies.

Duration: 55 minutes

Suggested Credit:  Two-thirds (2/3) semester’s credit for Creative Writing, Writing, or English. For a full semester’s credit, continue with daily writing and honing your craft, working with the parent.

Course Materials: Required Book: The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers, 3rd Edition, by Christopher Vogler and Michele Montez. Get the book here: http://amzn.to/2DzkE1W

The same book is used in both the The Hero’s Journey 1 (this course) and The Hero’s Journey 2 (next semester) course as well as the Screenwriting courses.

Microsoft Word or the ability to convert a document to a Word-compatible document is required. If you do not own Microsoft Word, you can use a system such as Google Docs that converts to Word documents FREE.

Homework: Approximately two (2) to four (4) hours per week of reading and completing coursework, depending on your skills level coming into the course. All homework is graded with personal feedback given by the instructor.

How this course fits with your other High School Writing Excellence courses...

Fall Semester Spring Semester
ACADEMIC WRITING
X-5 Punctuation/Grammar IICOLL-1 Mastering College Essay Writing
ADVANCED FICTION WRITING & LITERARY FORM
X-9 Hero's Journey, Part 1X-10 Hero's Journey, Part 2
X-11 Screenwriting, Part 1X-12 Screenwriting, Part 2
11-6 Authoring a Book, Part 111-8 Authoring a Book, Part 2
11-7 Writing the Short Story X-19 SF/Fantasy Short Story
X-15 Fiction Writing WorkshopX-16 Screenwriting Workshop
CREATIVE WRITING: EXPRESSIVE & POETIC FORMS
X-17 Comedy Writing, Part 1X-18 Comedy Writing, Part 2
X-13 Intro to PoetryX-14 Poetry: Joining the Great Tradition
BUSINESS WRITING
11-9 Pro Business Writing Essentials11-10 Foundations of Journalism
* This is the first part of a two-part, year-long Advanced Fiction Writing course series.
** The X-9 and X-10 courses are consecutive courses. To get the full benefit of the courses, sign up for the X-9 course and X-10 courses together.

Your Instructor

LIVE, INTERACTIVE COURSES

This course is offered in alternating years with the Advanced Screenwriting course. It will be available again in the Fall of 2021 (and alternating years thereafter). Click here to view LIVE course offerings and sign up for a LIVE course.

RECORDED, INDEPENDENT-LEARNING COURSE

When you sign up for Unlimited Access and take this recorded course, your instructor is the designer and Director of Aquinas Writing Advantage, Erin M. Brown, MA, MFA (aka author EB Conroy/Erin Brown Conroy).

Three Sign Up Options (Choose One)

1. LIVE, INTERACTIVE COURSE

This course is offered LIVE on alternating years. The next LIVE course is offered Fall, 2021. Students attend a LIVE class in a virtual classroom on a specific day, at a specific time. After class (during the week), the student independently completes the coursework and weekly quizzes; the quizzes are graded automatically by the computer for instant feedback. Your instructor gives feedback on assignments and grades student work; the instructor is available for communication outside of class via email, to help answer questions. Homework time outside of class is estimated to be one to three hours per week, depending on your student’s skills.

SIGN UP FOR A LIVE CLASS HERE

2. UNLIMITED ACCESS: RECORDED, INDEPENDENT-LEARNING COURSE

This course is always available in Unlimited Access recording. When you take the Recorded course, you will independently view the recorded video lesson and complete the coursework in the learning management system. The homework’s weekly quizzes are graded automatically by the computer for instant feedback, and parents grade all other work. There is an estimated one to three hours of homework/coursework per week outside of watching the weekly video lecture.

When you get “Unlimited Access,” you get 24/7 access to ALL of the writing courses — AND access to 400+ middle and high school courses, in all subject areas, for only $34.97 a month.

Sign up for Unlimited Access here to get this course

3. UNLIMITED ACCESS WITH INSTRUCTOR ACCESS GRADING SERVICES

Instructor Access is an optional service, for an additional fee, that accompanies Unlimited Access. When you sign up for one-on-one tutoring with Instructor Access, the Instructor Access instructor grades the work, gives feedback for improvement, and is available during the week for one-on-one help via email. There is an estimated one to three hours per week for homework for your student outside of watching the video lecture. If you’d like Instructor Access, once you sign up for Unlimited Access, you’ll receive email instructions on how to sign up.
When you get “Unlimited Access,” you get 24/7 access to ALL of the writing courses — AND access to 400+ middle and high school courses, in all subject areas, for only $34.97 a month.

SIGN UP FOR UNLIMITED ACCESS HERE TO GET THIS COURSE

Specific Course FAQs

Is this course required?

This course is a Writing Excellence course and is an “above and beyond” course from the FOUNDATIONS-DEVELOPMENT-ADVANCED series of 9-12th grade courses. If you want advanced writing skills, this course is for you.

Who should take the Advanced Fiction Writing courses?

Some say that these Advanced Fiction Writing courses are “magic” — giving your student a love of writing that no other type of writing can bring. If your student needs to kindle the fire of an enjoyment of writing, then this course is for you.

For creatives who dream of being published, this course is a lifeline to professional foundations and secrets to success. Taught by writers and authors with terminal degrees in Creative Writing/ Genre Fiction, this course is designed especially for the student who wants to be ahead in college literature, college writing, and the professional performance-based arts. And if you want to be an author of fiction of any kind, this course is essential. A number of students who have taken the advanced courses are now published writers and authors.

Can I take another writing course at the same time?

Yes! With the shorter, single-area courses here at Aquinas Writing Advantage, many students take two separate writing courses during a semester.

Courses that “fit well” with this course include the foundational fiction courses, advanced fiction courses (Screenwriting, Comedy Writing, and Poetry), the High School Punctuation and Grammar 2 course (to ensure strong punctuation and grammar skills), Journalism, and Business Writing. Students planning on moving directly to a career or vocational training will benefit from the Business Writing course.

Is this course considered an English, Writing, or Literature Analysis course?

This course is considered an English, Writing, and Literature Analysis course that prepares your student for college-level writing.

Sign up for a LIVE class here...
SIGN UP FOR UNLIMITED ACCESS TO GET THIS COURSE…

By

The Hero’s Journey & Mythic Structure for Writers, Part Two

X-10

Advanced Fiction Writing:

The Hero's Journey &
Mythic Structure for Writers,
Part Two

Suggested Grade Level: 9th to 12th grade

Become an excellent writer as you learn all about essential story structure, character archetypes, and essential character development in dynamic stories in this advanced fiction writing course where you can write your own story.

Your Course Description

In this advanced how-to fiction writing course, you’ll learn how to powerfully use ancient archetypes in what is called “The Hero’s Journey” —  the mythic structure that most stories follow — to capture the reader’s heart and excitement. Learn different kinds of typological characters appearing in stories, and apply that knowledge to the crafting of your own fiction book. Learn a story’s structure points that the Hero encounters along the way — and how the Hero overcomes and grows through a story, to reach the story’s Outer Goal with triumph! This course can be taken at the same time as any of the other Fiction Writing courses offered with Homeschool Connections — and be sure to take Part 1 before joining Part 2. Whether you plan on becoming a writer of fiction (books, screenwriting, poetry, television writing, or more) or you simply want to expand your ability to write in advanced styles and get ahead in advanced literature studies for college  — this course is for you.

Your Course Outline

Class 1: The Ordinary World
Class 2: The Call to Adventure
Class 3: The Refusal of the Call
Class 4: Meeting with the Mentor
Class 5: Crossing the First Threshold
Class 6: Test, Allies, and Enemies
Class 7: Approach to the Innermost Cave
Class 8: The Ordeal and Reward, Summarizing the Road Back, Resurrection, and Return

Your Course Details

Total Number of Classes: 8

Prerequisite: Required: Hero’s Journey and Mythic Structure for Writers, Part One

Suggested Grade Level: 11th grade; however, this course can be taken at any grade level in high school or in professional/continuing education studies.

Duration: 55 minutes

Suggested Credit: Two-thirds (2/3) semester’s credit for Creative Writing, Writing, or English. For a full semester’s credit, continue with daily writing and honing your craft, working with the parent.

.Course Materials: Required Book: The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers, 3rd Edition, by Christopher Vogler and Michele Montez. Get the book here: http://amzn.to/2DzkE1W

Note: The same book is used in both The Hero’s Journey 2 (this course), The Hero’s Journey 1 (previous course), and in the Screenwriting courses.

Microsoft Word or the ability to convert a document to a Word-compatible document is required. If you do not own Microsoft Word, you can use a system such as Google Docs that converts to Word documents FREE.

Homework: Approximately two to four hours per week of reading and completing coursework, depending on your skills level coming into the course. All homework is graded with personal feedback given by the instructor.

How this course fits with your other High School Writing Excellence courses...

Fall Semester Spring Semester
ACADEMIC WRITING
X-5 Punctuation/Grammar IICOLL-1 Mastering College Essay Writing
ADVANCED FICTION WRITING & LITERARY FORM
X-9 Hero's Journey, Part 1X-10 Hero's Journey, Part 2
X-11 Screenwriting, Part 1X-12 Screenwriting, Part 2
11-6 Authoring a Book, Part 111-8 Authoring a Book, Part 2
11-7 Writing the Short Story X-19 SF/Fantasy Short Story
X-15 Fiction Writing WorkshopX-16 Screenwriting Workshop
CREATIVE WRITING: EXPRESSIVE & POETIC FORMS
X-17 Comedy Writing, Part 1X-18 Comedy Writing, Part 2
X-13 Intro to PoetryX-14 Poetry: Joining the Great Tradition
BUSINESS WRITING
11-9 Pro Business Writing Essentials11-10 Foundations of Journalism
* This is the second part of a two-part, year-long Advanced Fiction Writing course series.
** The X-9 and X-10 courses are consecutive courses. To get the full benefit of the courses, sign up for the X-9 course and X-10 courses together.

Your Instructor

LIVE, INTERACTIVE COURSES

This course is offered in alternating years with the Advanced Screenwriting course. It will be available again in the Fall of 2021 (and alternating years thereafter). Click here to view LIVE course offerings and sign up for a LIVE course.

RECORDED, INDEPENDENT-LEARNING COURSE

When you sign up for Unlimited Access and take this recorded course, your instructor is the designer and Director of Aquinas Writing Advantage, Erin M. Brown, MA, MFA (aka author EB Conroy/Erin Brown Conroy).

Three Sign Up Options (Choose One)

1. LIVE, INTERACTIVE COURSE

This course is offered LIVE on alternating years. The next LIVE course is offered Spring, 2022 and alternates years following. Students attend a LIVE class in a virtual classroom on a specific day, at a specific time. After class (during the week), the student independently completes the coursework and weekly quizzes; the quizzes are graded automatically by the computer for instant feedback. Your instructor gives feedback on assignments and grades student work; the instructor is available for communication outside of class via email, to help answer questions. Homework time outside of class is estimated to be one to three hours per week, depending on your student’s skills.

SIGN UP FOR A LIVE CLASS HERE

2. UNLIMITED ACCESS: RECORDED, INDEPENDENT-LEARNING COURSE

This course is always available in Unlimited Access recording. When you take the Recorded course, you will independently view the recorded video lesson and complete the coursework in the learning management system. The homework’s weekly quizzes are graded automatically by the computer for instant feedback, and parents grade all other work. There is an estimated one to three hours of homework/coursework per week outside of watching the weekly video lecture.

When you get “Unlimited Access,” you get 24/7 access to ALL of the writing courses — AND access to 400+ middle and high school courses, in all subject areas, for only $34.97 a month.

SIGN UP FOR UNLIMITED ACCESS HERE, TO GET THIS COURSE

3. UNLIMITED ACCESS WITH INSTRUCTOR ACCESS GRADING SERVICES

Instructor Access is an optional service, for an additional fee, that accompanies Unlimited Access. When you sign up for one-on-one tutoring with Instructor Access, the Instructor Access instructor grades the work, gives feedback for improvement, and is available during the week for one-on-one help via email. There is an estimated one to three hours per week for homework for your student outside of watching the video lecture. If you’d  like Instructor Access, once you sign up for Unlimited Access, you’ll receive email instructions on how to sign up.

When you get “Unlimited Access,” you get 24/7 access to ALL of the writing courses — AND access to 400+ middle and high school courses, in all subject areas, for only $34.97 a month.

SIGN UP FOR UNLIMITED ACCESS HERE, TO GET THIS COURSE

Specific Course FAQs

Is this course required?

This course is a Writing Excellence course and is an “above and beyond” course from the FOUNDATIONS-DEVELOPMENT-ADVANCED series of 9-12th grade courses. If you want advanced writing skills, this course is for you.

Who should take the Advanced Fiction Writing courses?

Some say that these Advanced Fiction Writing courses are “magic” — giving your student a love of writing that no other type of writing can bring. If your student needs to kindle the fire of an enjoyment of writing, then this course is for you.

For creatives who dream of being published, this course is a lifeline to professional foundations and secrets to success. Taught by writers and authors with terminal degrees in Creative Writing/ Genre Fiction, this course is designed especially for the student who wants to be ahead in college literature, college writing, and the professional performance-based arts. And if you want to be an author of fiction of any kind, this course is essential. A number of students who have taken the advanced courses are now published writers and authors.

Can I take another writing course at the same time?

Yes! With the shorter, single-area courses here at Aquinas Writing Advantage, many students take two separate writing courses during a semester.

Courses that “fit well” with this course include the foundational fiction courses, advanced fiction courses (Screenwriting, Comedy Writing, and Poetry), the High School Punctuation and Grammar 2 course (to ensure strong punctuation and grammar skills), Journalism, and Business Writing. Students planning on moving directly to a career or vocational training will benefit from the Business Writing course.

Is this course considered an English, Writing, or Literature Analysis course?

This course is considered an English, Writing, and Literature Analysis course that prepares your student for college-level writing.

Sign up for a LIVE class here...
SIGN UP FOR UNLIMITED ACCESS TO GET THIS COURSE…

By Leave a Comment

Screenwriting, Part One

X-11

Advanced Fiction Writing:

Screenwriting, Part One

Suggested Grade Level: 9th to 12th grade

In this hands-on writing course, practice your advanced writing skills and learn how to design stories for film—including how to build characters, write dialogue, learn what makes a good movie, and craft scenes that make sense and engage the viewer. This course is for all writers who want advanced writing skills -- especially for those who want to explore writing as a part- or full-time career.

Your Course Description

In your Advanced Fiction Writing Introduction to Screenwriting course, you’ll learn all of the key foundations of screenwriting and creating scripts for movies. Find out what goes into designing stories for film, including how to craft excellent character development and create a powerful storyline. While learning and practicing the special skills of writing for film, you will read through screenplays; watch and analyze classic and current films; watch additional videos related to learning the craft; discuss the conventions of good movies; learn how to craft masterful dialogue; and craft your own scenes and screenplay.

Your Course Outline

Class 1: Screenplay fundamentals: What is a screenplay? How does a screenplay differ in story from other fiction?
Class 2: What is the format of a screenplay? (Foreword, Introduction)
Class 3: What is a logline? (Chapter One)
Class 4: Crafting loglines and reading scripts
Class 5: The Ten Genres of Film, Part 1 (Chapter Two)
Class 6: The Ten Genres of Film, Part 2 (Chapter Two)
Class 7: Archetypes and Film (Chapter Three)
Class 8: The Beat Sheet (Chapter Four)

Your Course Details

Total Number of Classes: Eight (8)
Prerequisites: Bring along a thirst to create — and a love of story in movies! There are no course prerequisites. However, it is helpful to either have completed some of the Fiction Writing courses or to be in any of the LIVE fiction courses while taking the Screenwriting course. Take the foundational Fiction Writing courses LIVE or through Unlimited Access.
Required Materials:

1) Document Creation
All documents are turned in as Microsoft Word documents. If you do not own Microsoft Word 2007 or a later version, you can use a system such as Google Docs that converts to Word documents FREE.
2) Book
The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers, 3rd Edition, by Christopher Vogler and Michele Montez. Get the book here:  http://amzn.to/2DzkE1W
3) Book 2: Save the Cat: The Last Book on Screenwriting that You’ll Ever Need, by Blake Snyder, ISBN-10: 1932907009, ISBN-13: 978-1932907001 (http://amzn.to/2GwDM3n or bookfinder.com)
NOTE: The same books are used in both Screenwriting courses (Parts 1 and 2).

Suggested Credit: Two-third (2/3) full semester of Screenwriting or Creative Writing.

How this course fits with your other High School Writing Excellence courses...

Fall Semester Spring Semester
ACADEMIC WRITING
X-5 Punctuation/Grammar IICOLL-1 Mastering College Essay Writing
ADVANCED FICTION WRITING & LITERARY FORM
X-9 Hero's Journey, Part 1X-10 Hero's Journey, Part 2
X-11 Screenwriting, Part 1X-12 Screenwriting, Part 2
11-6 Authoring a Book, Part 111-8 Authoring a Book, Part 2
11-7 Writing the Short Story X-19 SF/Fantasy Short Story
X-15 Fiction Writing WorkshopX-16 Screenwriting Workshop
CREATIVE WRITING: EXPRESSIVE & POETIC FORMS
X-17 Comedy Writing, Part 1X-18 Comedy Writing, Part 2
X-13 Intro to PoetryX-14 Poetry: Joining the Great Tradition
BUSINESS WRITING
11-9 Pro Business Writing Essentials11-10 Foundations of Journalism
* This is your first part of a two-part, year-long Screenwriting (Advanced Writing) course series.
** The x-11 and X-12 courses are consecutive courses. To create a full year of High School Writing at the advanced level, sign up for both courses together.

Your Instructor

LIVE, INTERACTIVE COURSES

This course is offered in alternating years with the Hero’s Journey and Mythic Structure for Writers courses. It is available Fall of 2020 (and alternating years thereafter). Click here to view LIVE course offerings and sign up for a LIVE course.

RECORDED, INDEPENDENT-LEARNING COURSE

When you sign up for Unlimited Access and take this recorded course, your instructor is the designer and Director of Aquinas Writing Advantage, Erin M. Brown, MA, MFA (aka author EB Conroy/Erin Brown Conroy).

Three Sign Up Options (Choose One)

1. LIVE, INTERACTIVE COURSE

This course is offered LIVE on alternating years. The next LIVE course is offered Fall, 2020, and alternates years following. Students attend a LIVE class in a virtual classroom on a specific day, at a specific time. After class (during the week), the student independently completes the coursework and weekly quizzes; the quizzes are graded automatically by the computer for instant feedback. Your instructor gives feedback on assignments and grades student work; the instructor is available for communication outside of class via email, to help answer questions. Homework time outside of class is estimated to be one to three hours per week, depending on your student’s skills.

SIGN UP FOR A LIVE CLASS HERE

2. UNLIMITED ACCESS: RECORDED, INDEPENDENT-LEARNING COURSE

This course is always available in Unlimited Access recording. When you take the Recorded course, you will independently view the recorded video lesson and complete the coursework in the learning management system. The homework’s weekly quizzes are graded automatically by the computer for instant feedback, and parents grade all other work. There is an estimated one to three hours of homework/coursework per week outside of watching the weekly video lecture.

When you get “Unlimited Access,” you get 24/7 access to ALL of the writing courses — AND access to 400+ middle and high school courses, in all subject areas, for only $34.97 a month.

SIGN UP FOR UNLIMITED ACCESS HERE, TO GET THIS COURSE

3. UNLIMITED ACCESS WITH INSTRUCTOR ACCESS GRADING SERVICES

Instructor Access is an optional service, for an additional fee, that accompanies Unlimited Access. When you sign up for one-on-one tutoring with Instructor Access, the Instructor Access instructor grades the work, gives feedback for improvement, and is available during the week for one-on-one help via email. There is an estimated one to three hours per week for homework for your student outside of watching the video lecture. If you’d like Instructor Access, once you sign up for Unlimited Access, you’ll receive email instructions on how to sign up.

When you get “Unlimited Access,” you get 24/7 access to ALL of the writing courses — AND access to 400+ middle and high school courses, in all subject areas, for only $34.97 a month.

SIGN UP FOR UNLIMITED ACCESS HERE, TO GET THIS COURSE

Specific Course FAQs

Is this course required?

This course is a Writing Excellence course and is an “above and beyond” course from the FOUNDATIONS-DEVELOPMENT-ADVANCED series of 9-12th grade courses. If you want advanced writing skills, this course is for you.

Who should take the Advanced Fiction Writing courses?

Some say that these Advanced Fiction Writing courses are “magic” — giving your student a love of writing that no other type of writing can bring. If your student needs to kindle the fire of an enjoyment of writing, then this course is for you.

For creatives who dream of being in the film industry or being published as a novel writer, this course is essential — a lifeline to professional foundations and secrets to success. Taught by writers who are authors and screenwriters (film and TV) with terminal degrees in Creative Writing/Genre Fiction, this course is designed especially for the student who wants to be ahead in college literature and writing, the professional performance-based fields of study such as theater and film, and students who want to pursue any part of the creative storytelling industry. A number of students who have taken the advanced courses are now published writers and authors.

Can I take another writing course at the same time?

Yes! With the shorter, single-area courses here at Aquinas Writing Advantage, many students take two separate writing courses during a semester.

Courses that “fit well” with this course include the foundational fiction courses, advanced fiction courses (The Hero’s Journey, Comedy Writing, and Poetry), the High School Punctuation and Grammar 2 course (to ensure strong punctuation and grammar skills), Journalism, and Business Writing. Students planning on moving directly to a career or vocational training will benefit from the Business Writing course.

Is this course considered an English, Writing, or Literature Analysis course?

This course is considered an English, Writing, and Story Analysis (under Literature) course that prepares your student for college-level writing.

Sign up for a LIVE class here...
SIGN UP FOR UNLIMITED ACCESS TO GET THIS COURSE…

By Leave a Comment

Screenwriting, Part Two

X-12

Advanced Fiction Writing:

Screenwriting, Part Two

Suggested Grade Level: 9th to 12th grade

In this hands-on writing course, practice your advanced writing skills and learn how to design stories for film! Write dynamic loglines, craft powerful story outlines in beat sheets, create dynamic scenes that grab the reader, and know what it takes to write for film. Especially if you want to explore writing as a part or full-time career, this course is for you...

Your Course Description

In your Advanced Fiction Writing Introduction to Screenwriting Part 2 course, you’ll continue to learn all of the key foundations of screenwriting and creating scripts for movies — including the business of film in Hollywood. Find out more about what goes into designing stories for film — including how to craft excellent character development and create a powerful storyline. While learning and practicing the special skills of writing for film, you will continue to read through screenplays; watch and analyze classic and current films; watch additional videos related to learning the craft; discuss the conventions of good movies; learn how to craft masterful dialogue; and craft your own scenes and screenplay.

Your Course Outline

Class 1: The Beat Sheet, Film Analysis, and Shorts (Chapter Four)
Class 2: Putting Ideas into Loglines and Beat Sheets
Class 3: The Beat Sheet as a Business Plan (Chapter Five) and More on Script Dialogue
Class 4: Crafting Scenes and The Hollywood Rules of Screenplays 1 (Chapter Six)
Class 5: Crafting Scenes and The Hollywood Rules of Screenplays 2 (Chapter Six)
Class 6: “Script Repair” (Chapter Seven)
Class 7: The Business of Screenwriting (Chapter Eight)
Class 8: Final Short Screenplay Discussions

Your Course Details

Total Number of Classes: Eight (8)
Prerequisites: Bring along a thirst to create — and a love of story in movies! There are no course prerequisites. However, it is helpful to either have completed some of the Fiction Writing courses or to be in any of the LIVE fiction courses while taking the Screenwriting course. Take the foundational Fiction Writing courses LIVE or through Unlimited Access.
Required Materials:

1) Document Creation
All documents are turned in as Microsoft Word documents. If you do not own
Microsoft Word 2007 or a later version, you can use a system such as Google Docs
that converts to Word documents FREE.
2) Book 1: The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers, 3rd Edition, by Christopher Vogler and Michele Montez. Get the book here:  http://amzn.to/2DzkE1W
3) Book 2: Save the Cat: The Last Book on Screenwriting that You’ll Ever Need, by Blake Snyder, ISBN-10: 1932907009, ISBN-13: 978-1932907001 (http://amzn.to/2GwDM3n or bookfinder.com)
NOTE: The same books are used in both Screenwriting courses (Parts 1 and 2).

Suggested Credit: Two-third (2/3) full semester of Screenwriting or Creative Writing.

How this course fits with your other High School Writing Excellence courses...

Fall Semester Spring Semester
ACADEMIC WRITING
X-5 Punctuation/Grammar IICOLL-1 Mastering College Essay Writing
ADVANCED FICTION WRITING & LITERARY FORM
X-9 Hero's Journey, Part 1X-10 Hero's Journey, Part 2
X-11 Screenwriting, Part 1X-12 Screenwriting, Part 2
11-6 Authoring a Book, Part 111-8 Authoring a Book, Part 2
11-7 Writing the Short Story X-19 SF/Fantasy Short Story
X-15 Fiction Writing WorkshopX-16 Screenwriting Workshop
CREATIVE WRITING: EXPRESSIVE & POETIC FORMS
X-17 Comedy Writing, Part 1X-18 Comedy Writing, Part 2
X-13 Intro to PoetryX-14 Poetry: Joining the Great Tradition
BUSINESS WRITING
11-9 Pro Business Writing Essentials11-10 Foundations of Journalism
* This is your second part of a two-part, year-long Screenwriting (Advanced Writing) course series.
** The x-11 and X-12 courses are consecutive courses. To create a full year of High School Writing at the advanced level, sign up for both courses together.

Your Instructor

LIVE, INTERACTIVE COURSES

This course is offered in alternating years with the Hero’s Journey and Mythic Structure for Writers courses. It is available Fall of 2020 (and alternating years thereafter). Click here to view LIVE course offerings and sign up for a LIVE course.

RECORDED, INDEPENDENT-LEARNING COURSE

When you sign up for Unlimited Access and take this recorded course, your instructor is the designer and Director of Aquinas Writing Advantage, Erin M. Brown, MA, MFA (aka author EB Conroy/Erin Brown Conroy).

Three Sign Up Options (Choose One)

1. LIVE, INTERACTIVE COURSE

This course is offered LIVE on alternating years. The next LIVE course is offered Spring, 2021, and alternates years following. Students attend a LIVE class in a virtual classroom on a specific day, at a specific time. After class (during the week), the student independently completes the coursework and weekly quizzes; the quizzes are graded automatically by the computer for instant feedback. Your instructor gives feedback on assignments and grades student work; the instructor is available for communication outside of class via email, to help answer questions. Homework time outside of class is estimated to be one to three hours per week, depending on your student’s skills.

SIGN UP FOR A LIVE CLASS HERE

2. UNLIMITED ACCESS: RECORDED, INDEPENDENT-LEARNING COURSE

This course is always available in Unlimited Access recording. When you take the Recorded course, you will independently view the recorded video lesson and complete the coursework in the learning management system. The homework’s weekly quizzes are graded automatically by the computer for instant feedback, and parents grade all other work. There is an estimated one to three hours of homework/coursework per week outside of watching the weekly video lecture.

When you get “Unlimited Access,” you get 24/7 access to ALL of the writing courses — AND access to 400+ middle and high school courses, in all subject areas, for only $34.97 a month.

SIGN UP FOR UNLIMITED ACCESS HERE, TO GET THIS COURSE

3. UNLIMITED ACCESS WITH INSTRUCTOR ACCESS GRADING SERVICES

Instructor Access is an optional service, for an additional fee, that accompanies Unlimited Access. When you sign up for one-on-one tutoring with Instructor Access, the Instructor Access instructor grades the work, gives feedback for improvement, and is available during the week for one-on-one help via email. There is an estimated one to three hours per week for homework for your student outside of watching the video lecture. If you’d like Instructor Access, once you sign up for Unlimited Access, you’ll receive email instructions on how to sign up.

When you get “Unlimited Access,” you get 24/7 access to ALL of the writing courses — AND access to 400+ middle and high school courses, in all subject areas, for only $34.97 a month.

SIGN UP FOR UNLIMITED ACCESS HERE, TO GET THIS COURSE

Specific Course FAQs

Is this course required?

This course is a Writing Excellence course and is an “above and beyond” course from the FOUNDATIONS-DEVELOPMENT-ADVANCED series of 9-12th grade courses. If you want advanced writing skills, this course is for you.

Who should take the Advanced Fiction Writing courses?

Some say that these Advanced Fiction Writing courses are “magic” — giving your student a love of writing that no other type of writing can bring. If your student needs to kindle the fire of an enjoyment of writing, then this course is for you.

For creatives who dream of being in the film industry or being published as a novel writer, this course is essential — a lifeline to professional foundations and secrets to success. Taught by writers who are authors and screenwriters (film and TV) with terminal degrees in Creative Writing/Genre Fiction, this course is designed especially for the student who wants to be ahead in college literature and writing, the professional performance-based fields of study such as theater and film, and students who want to pursue any part of the creative storytelling industry. A number of students who have taken the advanced courses are now published writers and authors.

Can I take another writing course at the same time?

Yes! With the shorter, single-area courses here at Aquinas Writing Advantage, many students take two separate writing courses during a semester.

Courses that “fit well” with this course include the foundational fiction courses, advanced fiction courses (The Hero’s Journey, Comedy Writing, and Poetry), the High School Punctuation and Grammar 2 course (to ensure strong punctuation and grammar skills), Journalism, and Business Writing. Students planning on moving directly to a career or vocational training will benefit from the Business Writing course.

Is this course considered an English, Writing, or Literature Analysis course?

This course is considered an English, Writing, and Story Analysis (under Literature) course that prepares your student for college-level writing.

Sign up for a LIVE class here...
SIGN UP FOR UNLIMITED ACCESS TO GET THIS COURSE…