Beyond Cthulhu: Lovecraftian Lore and Descriptive Writing
In this 3-week online class, students will explore three short stories by descriptive-writing master H.P. Lovecraft, creator of Cthulhu, and then brainstorm ideas for writing original descriptive essays.
Jennifer Smith, MA
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(135)
What's included
3 live meetings
2 hrs 45 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
This class covers the writing of H.P. Lovecraft and focuses especially on his particular penchant for writing incredible descriptions. We will cover Lovecraft's technique and style of writing. Then students will use his writing as a springboard for writing their own descriptive essays about a time when they felt strong emotion. *Students should bring pens/pencils and a notebook or binder/folder with notebook paper to each class meeting. In Week One, we will discuss Lovecraft's early life, his personality, and his character. We will also read What the Moon Brings and discuss the descriptive detail contained within this story. During the second week, we will read The Statement of Randolph Carter. We will again be focusing on Lovecraft's descriptive abilities. After reading, I will assist students as needed while they brainstorm ideas and write an outline (or other types of organizational tools) for their descriptive essays. For the final class, we will read From Beyond and discuss the descriptive style in this story. After reading, the students will work on writing their descriptive essays, and I will serve as a facilitator. As a bonus, I will even cover a bit about Cthulhu in the last class, too. During all three weeks, we will be having interactive discussions after we read each short story. Those who want to share will be invited to share their thoughts. Before students start working on their essays, we will have group discussions about Lovecraft's writing and the descriptive techniques he uses. I will use slides to illustrate the literary concepts & descriptive writing techniques that will be taught in this class. While writing, students will be allowed to ask questions and collaborate with me and with others. I enjoy being actively engaged with my students. I want to spark students' curiosity and interest so that they are excited about literature and writing, so I make sure my own excitement shows. I plan to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable enough to share their ideas with the class.
Learning Goals
Students will improve their understanding of descriptive writing techniques used by authors and will also improve their descriptive writing skills.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
There are scenes of horror in Lovecraft's writing. Lovecraft's racism will be mentioned when we discuss his biography in Week 1. The horror scenes are fictional and much is left to the imagination. If your child is a fan of Edgar Allan Poe or science fiction literature and films, this class should be a good fit. If you have a child that is sensitive to descriptions of frightful scenes, this class might not be a good fit. As for Lovecraft's racism, the stories we're reading contain none of this. We will, however, discuss this part of his personal character in the first class. I don't feel we should study his work while glossing over this known fact. I will handle this topic by allowing students to express their opinions on whether or not they feel we can enjoy the work of an author, yet strongly dislike who he/she is as a person. If the discussion veers off into a broader discussion of racism, I will keep it brief and in the confines of respect for others. If parents would like to contact me to ask more questions, I would be happy to answer them.
Supply List
Pen or pencil Notebook or notebook paper in a 3-prong folder I will be reading the Lovecraft stories to students and they will be taking notes; however, if you would like to obtain your own copies of the stories for your child, they are contained in this book: The Dream Cycle of H.P. Lovecraft Dreams of Terror and Death. You can find this book on Amazon for as little as $5.50 (shipping included.)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2020
4.9
135reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in English from Southern New Hampshire University
I am a seasoned reader of Gothic Literature and have been reading Lovecraft for years. I am also the writer of the book Mountains and Melancholy. I am a certified teacher with a degree in elementary education, but I have spent the last 15-20 years homeschooling my children. During their high school years, my passion for Gothic Literature was allowed to flourish. I have taught literature classes at local homeschool co-ops and have also led literature and poetry workshops for adults. I am passionate about sharing my love of stories and writing techniques with others, and I use my enthusiasm and love for the darker side of the literary world to ignite the flame of excitement in students who might otherwise have their candles extinguished.Reviews
Live Group Class
$40
for 3 classes1x per week, 3 weeks
55 min
Completed by 7 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
2-12 learners per class
