Horror Folklore: Urban Legends

- Students will learn about horror folklore in the form of urban legends and discover the history behind some of these scary tales. Topics included are the following: the history and context in which this type of horror folklore was told, why these urban legends initially caught on, why these horror folktales still persist today, how modern movies and books have been influenced by these horrifying tales. Students will also discover and discuss why this old horror folklore can still scare us even now. 
- Horror folklore stories presented in this class will come from the subgenre of urban legends. 
- Specific folklore/stories included in this class: Bloody Mary, The Smiling Man, Black-Eyed Children, The Man in the Backseat, The Girl in the Gap.
- I will open the class by asking students to share any urban legends they're already familiar with. I will also ask them to name a favorite scary book or movie. I will use their answers to make connections to the class material to be presented. 
- I will use slides to enhance the learning experience. I encourage students to offer input, ask questions, and interact with me and with the other learners. I ask open-ended questions in order to facilitate these interactions.
- No prior knowledge or experience is needed for this class.