$30
weeklyor $299 for all content
Exploring Gothic Literature - Reading & Writing Scary Stories
Ages 14-18
Self-Paced Course
10 pre-recorded lessons
10 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Enroll Now, Start Anytime
Go at your own pace
Your learner can start learning when they want and progress at the speed that works best for them.Start when you want.
Learn at your own pace
Access course material for a full year.
Get hands-on support from teacher.
What's included
10 pre-recorded lessons
average 17 mins per video10 weeks
of teacher support2 hrs 50 mins
total video learning hours1 year access
to the contentAssignments
4+ hours per week. Narrative Analysis: Write reflections responding to questions about the Gothic genre and the Gothic elements in Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Tell-Tale Heart. Comprehensive rubrics are provided for each assigned reflection.Projects
Creative Writing Project: Write a short story to demonstrate understanding of Gothic elements in literature. Learners will have a lesson on drafting, revising, and finalizing their story. A comprehensive grading rubric is provided for the short story.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
This course is structured as narrated video lessons with eerie music, notes on the lesson, and reflection questions. Learners are guided through the basics of the genre and explore Gothic elements in classic narratives: Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Tell-Tale Heart. Learners practice narrative analysis through written reflections and demonstrate their understanding of the genre by writing their own Gothic short story to wrap up the course. I believe in an interactive and engaging learning environment. Throughout the course, learners will have the opportunity to reflect on the Gothic elements in the novels. Thematic video and engaging audio enhance the learning experience. Learners will receive individualized feedback on their assigned lesson reflections and the writing process for their unique Gothic short story. This structure ensures that learners stay engaged, creatively inspired, and have plenty of opportunities to interact with both the material and me directly throughout the course.
Learning Goals
Identify and analyze common themes, such as horror, death, isolation, and the supernatural, within Gothic literature.Develop skills in close reading and be able to interpret complex Gothic texts with attention to literary devices such as symbolism, tone, and narrative voice.Syllabus
Standards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)10 Lessons
over 10 WeeksLesson 1:
EXPLORING The Gothic Genre
Explore the origins and key elements of the Gothic genre, identifying themes like horror, death, and the supernatural. Learn how these elements create mood and atmosphere in classic Gothic literature. 1 assignment
24 mins of video lessons
Lesson 2:
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
45 mins of video lessons
Lesson 3:
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 4:
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
I recognize each learner's unique strengths and needs. I offer accessible resources like audiobooks, ebooks, engaging audio/video content, and clear, structured expectations. I provide personalized feedback and collaborate with families.
Parental Guidance
This class covers Gothic literature, which includes themes of horror, death, insanity, and the supernatural. The classical literature analyzed include: Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Tell-Tale Heart. Common Sense Media recommends these books for learners aged 13+
Pre-Requisites
- No specific prerequisites required.
- Recommended reading level: middle to high school.
- Basic reading comprehension and an interest in Gothic literature or creative writing are beneficial.
- Prior literary analysis or narrative writing
Supply List
All texts are available online FREE in both ebook and audiobook formats. For the TEXTS, I recommend these free text sources: DRACULA: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/345 FRANKENSTEIN: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/84 THE TELL-TALE HEART: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2148 For the AUDIOBOOKS, I suggest these found on YouTube: DRACULA AUDIOBOOK: https://youtu.be/JcfffzyL-hA?si=BNYg934G80bvOcqn FRANKENSTEIN AUDIOBOOK: https://youtu.be/E-XdrUVh5jM?si=D6hxTOVgNfjGvRQ- THE TELL-TALE HEART AUDIOBOOK: https://youtu.be/Z_utA6j3Oc8?si=PBa0s70TdqAXCXsf
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
BOOKS (all public domain):
Stoker, Bram. Dracula. Archibald Constable and Company, 1897.
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor & Jones, 1818.
Poe, Edgar Allan. The Tell-Tale Heart. James Russell Lowell, The Pioneer, 1843.
AUDIOBOOK EXCERPTS:
Stoker, Bram. *Dracula: Audible Edition.* Narrated by Alan Cumming, Tim Curry, Simon Vance, et al., Audible Studios, 2012, www.audible.com/pd/Dracula-Audible-Edition-Audiobook/B0078PA1OA.
Poe, Edgar Allan. The Tell-Tale Heart. Performed by Christopher Lee, Nimbus Records, 1979.
PHOTOGRAPHS from FILMS:
Dracula. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, performances by Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, and Anthony Hopkins, Columbia Pictures, 1992.
Dracula. Directed by Tod Browning, performance by Bela Lugosi, Universal Pictures, 1931.
Meet the teacher
Teacher expertise and credentials
3 Teaching Certificates
Missouri Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Georgia Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Georgia Teaching Certificate
2 Degrees
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.Reviews
Ms. Meghan Lee, M.Ed. suggests this class next...
Worldbuilding: Creating Fantasy Worlds for Writing SELF-Paced
Ms. Meghan Lee, M.Ed.
$29 per week
Self-Paced Class
14 weeks
14-18
Other classes by Ms. Meghan Lee, M.Ed.
Other classes by Ms. Meghan Lee, M.Ed.
Parents also liked
Literature on Film
Courtney Runchey
4.9
(55)
$30 per session
1-on-1 Tutoring
On Demand
14-18
Holes: Literature Study and Writing
Wild and Unstructured Learning
4.8
(1,130)
$21 per class
Next session at 3 PM on Fri 3/14
Group Class
10 wks, 1/wk, 55 min
12-16
7th Grade Literature - Full Course With Film & Literature: So the Story Goes
Lemons-Aid Learning
4.9
(686)
$21 per class
Next session at 4 PM on Thu 8/21
Group Class
1/wk, 55 min
11-14
The Elephant Girl: Literature Study and Writing
Wild and Unstructured Learning
4.8
(1,130)
$20 per class
Next session at 10 PM on Tue 4/1
Group Class
10 wks, 1/wk, 50 min
8-12
Literature Class - Full Course
Savannah Gilmore
4.8
(2,296)
$10 per class
Next session at 4 PM on Fri 8/15
Group Class
18 wks, 1/wk, 1 hr
11-16
1:1 tutoring (English Literature and Language)
Ailya Zaman, MA
$55 per session
1-on-1 Tutoring
On Demand
8-18
Where The Red Fern Grows: Literature Study Writing
Wild and Unstructured Learning
4.8
(1,130)
$20 per class
Next session at 10 PM on Tue 4/1
Group Class
5 wks, 2/wk, 50 min
10-14
English Literature for High School Semester
Striving Students Towards Success, LLC.
4.9
(248)
$11 per class
Group Class
18 wks, 1/wk, 1 hr
14-18
One on One Literature Discussions With Mr. Hodge
Mr. Hodge
4.9
(60)
$30 per session
1-on-1 Tutoring
On Demand
13-18
The Outsiders: Literature Study and Writing
Wild and Unstructured Learning
4.8
(1,130)
$21 per class
Next session at 11 PM on Wed 4/2
Group Class
7 wks, 1/wk, 55 min
10-15
Wonder by R.J. Palacio Literature Study
Wild and Unstructured Learning
4.8
(1,130)
$22 per class
Next session at 10 PM on Tue 4/1
Group Class
10 wks, 1/wk, 1 hr
8-12
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli Literature Study
Wild and Unstructured Learning
4.8
(1,130)
$20 per class
Next session at 10 PM on Sat 4/5
Group Class
8 wks, 1/wk, 50 min
13-18
Short Stories for Teens: Thinking and Exploring Literature
Kathy Wilder
4.9
(453)
$20 per class
Next session at 8 PM on Wednesday
Group Class
1/wk, 50 min
14-18
Middle School English: Read Literature Like a Professor
Kendra Fletcher
5.0
(541)
$15 per class
Next session at 4 PM on Tue 4/8
Group Class
7 wks, 1/wk, 30 min
11-14
Bud Not Buddy: Literature Study and Writing
Wild and Unstructured Learning
4.8
(1,130)
$20 per class
Next session at 7 PM on Sat 3/15
Group Class
10 wks, 1/wk, 50 min
9-12
Pre-Reading to Advanced Literature Tutoring
Janel Kahrimani
$30 per session
1-on-1 Tutoring
On Demand
3-18
More to explore
2 Digit Subtraction
Intermediate French
Draw Christmas
Drawing Studio Ghibli
Draw A Squishmallow
D&d Mythic League Campaign
Night Photography
Bridge Design
Advanced Vet 1
Multi Sensory Learning
Flee The Facility
Travel The World
Susan Garrison
Pre-a1 Course
Axolotl Care
Accelerated Science
Essential Japanese for Travel 1
Creative Coding Code Your Own Shark
Full Introduction To Figure
Be A Mathematician 30
