A Horrifying Holiday: Victorian Ghost Stories Camp
In this fun and intensive camp, learners can celebrate the holidays as if in Victorian England by reading three of these turn-of-the-century ghost stories and comparing them to modern horror.
Tassie Bauman Smith
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(397)
What's included
3 live meetings
2 hrs 45 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
In this one week intensive Christmas in July camp the students we will explore three of the class short stories in horror. Students will read each short story before class begins. Each lesson will cover some basic biographical information about the writer and historical/cultural background needed to analyze the story. Then we explore how the writer used one of the classic tropes of horror (the artifact, the dream/vision, the fragile female) to structure their short story. Finally we will spend a significant amount of each class discussing the literary methods that the story uses to elicit horror in the reader. Class 1: Learners will read "The Kit-Bag" by Algernon Blackwood before class. We will discuss the role of "the artifact" in this Victorian classic and modern horror. http://algernonblackwood.org/Z-files/kit_bag.pdf Class 2: Learners will read "A Strange Christmas Game" by Charlotte Riddell before class. We will discuss "the dream" or "the vision" in this Victorian classic and modern horror. https://www.shortstoryproject.com/story/strange-christmas-game/ Class 3 Learners will read "Horror: A True Tale" by John Berwick Harwood before class. We will discuss "the fragile female" as a victim in this Victorian classic and modern horror. http://www.underworldtales.com/classic/horror.txt (This is the most difficult and longest of the stories. Here is a link to an audiobook available for free on Youtube if it would be easier. https://youtu.be/t2n-p2Y-Yp8) Because of COPPA regulations, I am not able to recommend students under 13 follow the links to read these stories at this time. In the introduction post, I will post links to Youtube readings of each story. If you are interested in reading the stories ahead of time, parents and learners over 13 can find the material by googling the author, title, and the words PDF. This is a discussion intensive course. All students are expected to interact with respect and civility. I understand that the material can be controversial and expect and welcome disagreement, but kindness facilitates productive and persuasive conversation. If a student finds reading and writing difficult, I am willing for them to access the material in audio format. Please contact me with any questions concerning accommodations.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Each of these are relatively frightening ghost stories covering murder and more. Parents are the best judges of their chid's maturity and sensitives. Please read any stories you are concerned about ahead of the class and feel free to contact me to determine if the class might be right for your learner.
Supply List
Students will need to access all three stories. They are currently out of copyright and available for free online. See the class description for links.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined September, 2019
5.0
397reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I teach all kinds of English classes including writing, grammar, literature, and ESL. I am an avid reader of fiction and non-fiction especially poetry, science fiction, and fantasy.
I have been teaching for more than 10 years. I taught English as Foreign Language in three different Chinese universities for a total of eight and a half years. These classes included comprehensive English, listening and speaking, writing, and pronunciation. I taught BA, MA, and Ph.D. students. Since we have returned to the United States, I have taught childbirth classes, online ESL through VIPkid, and Sunday School.
I am also a professional writer. I have a traditionally published book, another at my publisher waiting to be edited, and a novel in its second draft. I love giving students the chance to communicate, write, and learn in community with others.
I balance all this with being a homeschool mom. I have homeschooled my two daughters a total of fifteen years. My older daughter attended our local public high school, so I am familiar with public school needs and requirements as well.
I love sharing the wonder of language with learners young and old--both those who are learning English for the first time and those who are diving into the joys of literature. Reviews
Live Group Class
$50
for 3 classes3x per week, 1 week
55 min
Completed by 24 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
3-10 learners per class
