Exploring Gothic Literature - Reading & Writing Scary Stories
Does your teen like scary tales and Halloween? Introduce them to Gothic literature through classic tales (Dracula, Frankenstein, & The Tell-Tale Heart). They will analyze the narratives as they read the tales and write a Gothic short story.
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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.Assessment
All assignments and the short story have comprehensive grading rubrics for assessment and individualized feedback. Letter grades are available if desired.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
Joined June, 2024
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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
Self-Paced Course
$30
weekly or $299 for all content10 pre-recorded lessons
10 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
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Ages: 14-18
