Introduction to Gothic Literature
The spooky old castle, the supernatural, and the tragic yet ironic hero, take a journey back to the 18th and 19th centuries to the Gothic stories of Edgar Allan Poe, John William Polidori, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Elizabeth Gaskell to uncover Vampires, Witches, and Ghosts!
Mark Tyson B.A., M.A.
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(458)
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What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
This class is a survey of Gothic literature. Gothic literature is named for the Gothic cathedrals and architecture of the time and settings of the stories. Students will read excerpts and full stories from Gothic literature and learn the history and stories behind the fiction. Students will learn how to identify Gothic stories by the plot devices and settings used, such as the decaying old castle or house, the adjacent graveyard, or decaying family crypt. We will look at the lives of Gothic authors Edgar Allan Poe, John William Polidori, Mary Shelley, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Elizabeth Gaskell, Bram Stoker, and Anne Radcliffe among others to determine if their life and times or their environment had any influence on their haunting writings. Works included for the class to be read in the week in between classes: "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe (introduction into the Gothic Literature Genre) "The Vampyre" by John William Polidori (written alongside Mary Shelley when she wrote Frankenstein) (We will look into the workings of the vampire) "Young Goodman Brown" by Nathaniel Hawthorne (A descendant of one of the judges of the Salem Witch Trials!) (This is our story to introduce us to witches) "The Old Nurse's Story" by Elizabeth Gaskell (Our ghost story written on the invitation of Charles Dickens.)
Other Details
Parental Guidance
There is mild violence (monsters, ghosts, blood, and vampires!) This class is a "Book Club" style class, which means I give a lot of background information and the learner is encouraged (but not required) to discuss their interpretation of the material. This is a reading and discussion class.
Supply List
To prepare for the first class read "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe which is attached and accessible upon enrollment. The poem is relatively short and can be easily printed. Look for elements in the poem that build dread and suspense. Copies of the Gothic literature stories to be read during the week between class discussions will be provided after class each week to be read for the following week. I personally read "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe the first class meeting.
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined August, 2017
4.8
458reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in English from National University
Bachelor's Degree in English from New York Institute of Technology
I hold a Masters Degree in English and Literature with a specialty in Gothic Literature. I wrote my masters thesis over Edgar Allan Poe and his feminine ideal. I have experience teaching Gothic Literature in public school and online. Plus, I really love this material and study it for fun! Reviews
Live Group Class
$75
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
55 min
Completed by 84 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
3-6 learners per class
