The Great Unknown: Three Horror Classics for Teens (Poe, Wharton, and Bierce)
In this one-week intensive summer camp, students will read three classic horror short stories (from Edgar Allan Poe, Edith Wharton, and Ambrose Bierce) and discuss them in class. #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
1-2 hours per week. Students will be expected to read the short stories before coming to class.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
Beginner - Intermediate Level
In this one-week intensive camp the students will explore three of the class short stories in horror. Students will read each short story before class begins. Each lesson will cover some basic biographical information about the writer and the historical/cultural background needed to analyze the story. Then we explore how the writer used one of the classic tropes of horror (madness, ghosts, and "the dream") to structure their short story. Finally, we will spend a significant amount of each class discussing the literary methods that the story uses to elicit horror in the reader. In lesson 1 we will cover "Afterward" by Edith Wharton This gothic story from 1910 covers issues of economics/white-collar crime as well as being a classic ghost story from a staple in American Literature. http://www.classicshorts.com/stories/afterward.html In lesson 2 we will cover "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allen Poe. In Poe's classic tale of psychological suspense, we cover madness as a theme in horror. http://www.isd518.net/Websites/isd518/files/Content/3804973/A_Tell_Tele_Heart.pdf In lesson 3 we will cover "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" by Ambrose Bierce. This story lingers long in the reader's mind and though it is less classically "horror" it has a horrifying twist at the end! This short story finds its way onto lists of both the best in horror as well as the best in short stories. http://www.ambrosebierce.org/owlcreekbridge.html Because of COPPA regulations, I am not able to recommend students under 13 follow the links 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 and writing 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 gain a new appreciation for these classic horror short stories, better understand their plot and structure, and enjoy discussing the way the author illicit's horror in the reader.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This is a class on horror. The stories we will read while not graphic are gruesome. Younger or more sensitive learners will need a parent to preview the material. You can find the titles of all the short stories we will read in class in the course description. Please contact me with any questions.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
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 175 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
2-8 learners per class
Financial Assistance
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