Grotesque Gothic: Short Stories Camp (Poe, Faulkner, Irving)
We will read three short stories from famous American Gothic writers (Poe, Faulkner, and Irving) and discuss the plot, the elements of the Gothic genre, and the works' effects on later literature. #academic
Tassie Bauman Smith
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(397)
What's included
3 live meetings
2 hrs 45 mins in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. The reading for this class is challenging. Students will need to read 3 short stories in a week. The links to download the PDFs are in the class description so students can start the reading right away. Depending on reading level/speed students will need less than an hour to read the first and last story. The middle story is longer and can be read in perhaps an hour and a half.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
Intermediate Level
Gothic literature, earlier than both its descendants Science Fiction and Horror, has a long history with the dark side of humanity. Come and join me to read three great short stories from American Gothic literature and learn more about their authors. Day 1: Students should read “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving before coming to class. In class we will learn about Irving’s life and his place in American literature. We will discuss the structure of the story, the elements of Gothic literature and major themes and symbols. https://www.ibiblio.org/ebooks/Irving/Sleepy/Irving_Sleepy.pdf Day 2: Students should read “The Masque of the Red Death” by Edgar Allan Poe before coming to class. In class we will learn about Poe’s life and his place in American literature. We will discuss the structure of the story, the elements of Gothic literature and major themes and symbols. https://www.ibiblio.org/ebooks/Poe/Red_Death.pdf Day 3: Students should read “A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner before coming to class. In class we will learn about Faulkner’s life and his place in American literature. We will discuss the structure of the story, the elements of Gothic literature and major themes and symbols. http://www.eng.fju.edu.tw/~eng/English_Literature/Rose/el-text-E-Rose.htm Because of COPPA regulations, I am not able to recommend links to learners under 13 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 is controversial and expect and welcome disagreement, but kindness facilitates productive and persuasive conversation. If a student finds reading difficult, I am willing for them to access the material in audio format. Please contact me with any questions concerning accommodations.
Learning Goals
Students will learn the elements of Gothic literature, understand its influence on American literature, and increase their awareness of the authors we are studying.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This class on Gothic literature covers topics that are disturbing. The stories include death, epidemics, murder, poisoning, a supernatural headless ghost, the post-Civil War South, and sleeping by the dead. If you are concerned about any of these pieces of classic literature, please preview the stories (links provided in the class descriptions). And feel free to contact me through Outschool. I am happy to provide more information about how these topics will be covered in class. You know your learner best!
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
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 64 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-17
2-9 learners per class
