Hero's Journey Theory

In this video, we will examine the main focus of CFS 330.

In CFS 330,
we will learn a theory.

This theory (The Hero's Journey) describes the elements of MOST of the stories we tell. For instance...

Hero's Journey movies

• Star Wars
• The Matrix
• The Lion King
• Lord of the Rings
• Harry Potter

This theory is based on the book
Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell.

Hero's Journey Theory

The theory has twelve stages.

We will walk through stages now, but don't take notes or worry. We will spend time learning each stage during the course!

One and Two

• Ordinary World (This step refers to the hero's normal life at the start of the story, before the adventure begins.)
• Call to Adventure (In this step, the hero is faced with something that makes her begin her adventure. this might be a problem or a challenge she needs to overcome.)

Three and Four

• Refusal of the Call (In this step, the hero attempts to refuse the adventure because she is afraid.)
• Meeting with the Mentor (In this step, the hero encounters someone who can give her advice and ready her for the journey ahead.)

Five and Six

• Crossing the Threshold (In this step, the hero leaves her ordinary world for the first time and crosses the threshold into adventure.)
• Tests, Allies, Enemies (In this step, the hero learns the rules of her new world. During this time, she endures tests of strength of will, meets friends, and comes face to face with foes.)

Seven and Eight

• Approach (In this step, setbacks occur, sometimes causing the hero to try a new approach or adopt new ideas.)
• Ordeal (In this step, the hero experiences a major hurdle or obstacle, such as a life or death crisis.)

Nine and Ten

• Reward (In this step, after surviving death, the hero earns her reward or accomplishes her goal.)
• The Road Back (In this step, the hero begins her journey back to her ordinary life.)

Eleven and Twelve

• 11 Resurrection Hero (In this step, the hero faces a final test where everything is at stake and she must use everything she has learned.)
• 12 Return with Elixir (In this step, the hero brings her knowledge or the "elixir" back to the ordinary world, where she applies it to help all who remain there.)

How you will learn this theory?

You will learn this theory through applying each stage to movies.

First, you will observe the instructor applying the theory to The Wizard of Oz and Along Came Polly.

Then *you* will apply it to a movie (from a list) that you sign up for via email.
You will do this work on your own and 3 stages at a time.

Instructor feedback will guide you as you learn.

wendebmg@gmail.com

Joseph Campbell's work is longer--17 stages--so we are using a shorter theory made specifically for movies and TV.