Teaching the Hero’s Journey with Luke Skywalker, Anakin, and Rey (High School Star Wars Lesson Plan)

The Star Wars Saga Assessment — Hero’s Journey & Cinematography Focus (Grades 9–12) is a stand-alone, 9-week resource that guides students through Joseph Campbell’s Monomyth while analyzing film craft. Students track Luke Skywalker, Anakin Skywalker, and Rey across all nine films to compare how editing, sound, and cinematography shape meaning and mythic structure. By the end, they build a concise schema that works across the entire saga.

Standards Connection

Aligned to CCRA.R.1 (cite strong textual and visual evidence), CCRA.R.2 (determine central ideas and themes), CCRA.W.2 (informative writing), and CCRA.SL.1 (collaborative discussion). These standards ensure that lessons extend beyond viewing into evidence-based analysis and academic argumentation.

Lesson Flow

• Students take structured notes while viewing, focusing on both Hero’s Journey stages and filmmaking choices (editing, cinematography, sound).
• After completing the saga, they compare eras (Original Trilogy, Prequels, Sequels) and evaluate how craft decisions alter mythic meaning.
• Guided prompts ask students to map Campbell’s Monomyth and highlight where Star Wars aligns with or diverges from the traditional Hero’s Journey.
• Final tasks include two focused written responses: one on craft and one on the Hero’s Journey schema across films.

Optional Extension (Teacher-Created)

Not included in the product PDF.

• Have students design a storyboard for an “Episode X” that revises the Monomyth with modern themes.
• Stage a debate: “Which trilogy best represents Campbell’s model, and why?”

Teacher FAQ

Q: Do I need to use all nine films?
A: Yes, the assessment is designed for full-saga comparison, though selected clips can substitute for full screenings if time is limited.

Q: What does the assessment include?
A: Teacher pacing tips, student prompts, a “What to Watch For” tracker, and sample notes and responses.

Q: Is there an answer key?
A: Yes, the resource includes exemplar notes and model written responses.

Related Star Wars classroom resources

• Episode IV — A New Hope Movie Guide (Grades 8–12): explore Luke’s call to adventure and the cinematography of the trench run.
• Star Wars Saga Film Quiz & Movie Worksheet Bundle (All 9 Episodes): get every episode’s guide together and save 30%.
• FREE: Star Wars Name Generator Activity: a fun warm-up or May the 4th icebreaker for classroom engagement.

Skills Addressed: citing evidence from film, mapping central archetypes, comparing craft across eras, explanatory writing, and productive academic discussion.