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Dracula - Exploring Classic Gothic Literature (Halloween Horror Series)

A self-paced course for learners aged 14-18 exploring Gothic elements in Dracula, focusing on fear, isolation, and suspense. Aligned with Common Core Standards, it emphasizes critical thinking, narrative analysis, and reflective writing.
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Class

What's included

3 pre-recorded lessons
3 weeks
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content
Homework
4+ hours per week. Each lesson requires reading/listening to the assigned chapters of Dracula so learners will be able to complete assigned written reflections.
Assignments
Learners will write a reflective narrative analysis answering provided reflection questions. The written reflections are submitted by the learner and graded using the unique rubric for each reflection. All assignments submitted receive personalized feedback from the teacher.
Assessment
The written reflections are graded according to a provided rubric. Learning is assessed via these graded assignments and individualized feedback includes a score & letter grade.

Class Experience

US Grade 9 - 12
Class Structure:

Self-paced lessons provide: Notes on the reading, a narrated video analysis of the novel, and reflection questions to answer by analyzing the assigned chapters in Dracula.

Teaching Style:
Structured with clear milestones, but flexible for individual pacing

Learner Interaction:
Video lesson narrated by the teacher discussing the Gothic elements in Dracula
Asynchronous access to the teacher for course-related questions & feedback
Graded assignments: Learners receive personalized feedback.
Learning Goals
Identify key Gothic elements in Dracula
Analyze character motivations and the role of setting
learning goal

Syllabus

Standards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
3 Lessons
over 3 Weeks
Lesson 1:
DRACULA - The Introduction to Gothic Elements (Chapters 1-8)
 In this lesson, you will explore how Bram Stoker uses Gothic elements to set the tone of Dracula. Harker’s time at Dracula’s castle introduces the eerie, supernatural world, while Lucy and Mina’s story in England builds a sense of impending doom. Stoker weaves in key Gothic themes like isolation, fear, and the supernatural. 
1 assignment
19 mins of video lessons
Lesson 2:
DRACULA - Rising Gothic Tension and Fear (Chapters 9-18)
 In these chapters, Dracula moves from Transylvania to England, where Lucy falls victim to Dracula’s curse. New characters, like Van Helsing, are introduced, and tension rises as the supernatural intrudes on daily life. Gothic themes of death, fear, and corruption intensify, with Dracula portrayed as both a predator and an alluring figure. 
1 assignment
12 mins of video lessons
Lesson 3:
DRACULA - Gothic Climax and Resolution (Chapters 19-27)
 In the final chapters of Dracula, the novel reaches its Gothic climax as Van Helsing, Jonathan, Mina, and their allies pursue and confront Dracula in his homeland. Key Gothic themes—such as the struggle between good and evil, the power of religious symbols, and triumph over the supernatural—culminate in Dracula's destruction, bringing resolution and redemption for those affected by his reign of terror. 
1 assignment
12 mins of video lessons

Other Details

Learning Needs
Course is flexible and accessible for all learners by providing: engaging narrated video, lesson notes, access to audiobook & ebook files, and grading rubrics for all assignments. Please message me to discuss any additional accommodations.
Parental Guidance
Dracula by Bram Stoker is a classic Gothic horror novel first published in 1897. While not explicit by today's standards, it contains themes and elements that may warrant consideration, especially for younger readers: 1. Sexual Undertones: The novel contains quite subtle sexual themes, particularly in scenes where Dracula bites his victims. These moments are often described with a level of intimacy that may be interpreted as suggestive, though there is no explicit content. 2. Violence and Horror: As a horror novel, Dracula includes scenes of blood drinking, violent attacks, and other supernatural horrors. While not graphic, the descriptions of these events can be intense and unsettling. 3. Gender and Power Dynamics: The novel portrays women as either vulnerable or corrupted by Dracula's influence, often relying on male characters for protection. These depictions reflect outdated views on gender roles, which could prompt discussions about gender and power in literature. 4. Racial and Ethnic Stereotyping: Dracula, as a foreign character from Eastern Europe, is depicted as the "Other" in a way that reflects xenophobic and colonialist attitudes of the time. Readers may encounter negative portrayals of non-Western cultures and characters. This novel is best suited for readers aged 13 & up who can engage with its themes in a critical and historical context. This course discusses the cultural and social attitudes of the Victorian era as part of the reading experience.
Supply List
BOOK: Dracula by Bram Stoker - available for free at Project Gutenberg https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/345

AUDIOBOOK: Dracula by Bram Stoker - available free on YouTube
https://youtu.be/JcfffzyL-hA?si=BNYg934G80bvOcqn
Joined June, 2024
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Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Missouri Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Georgia Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Georgia Teaching Certificate
Master's Degree in Education from Kennesaw State University
Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University
I hold a M.Ed in Instructional Technology and a Bachelor's in Elementary Education, with teaching certifications in both Georgia and Missouri. I have taught internationally in the UAE and South Korea, as well as in the United States, giving me a broad perspective on diverse educational practices. My fondness for Gothic literature combined with my experience in instructional design allows me to create engaging, accessible content that helps learners explore complex themes in a way that resonates with them.

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Self-Paced Course
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$27

weekly or $80 for all content
3 pre-recorded lessons
3 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content

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Ages: 14-18

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