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The Haunting of Hill House: (Don't go into the nursery!)

Read this horror classic and find out why so many people are mad at the novel's Netflixing. (Netflixification?)
Maureen Tobin (BS, MFA)
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(184)
Class

What's included

7 live meetings
7 in-class hours

Class Experience

US Grade 8 - 11
Shirley Jackson is an acknowledged master of the psychological horror genre, which is very different from the stereotypical bloody, slashy, monstery stories many people think of when they think of horror. While this story has supernatural elements,  most of the really scary stuff might just be what goes on in the mind of the main character. 

This class is designed for the student who:

1. Has an interest in weird, scary stories.
2. Can read but doesn't necessarily like to. (Of course, avid readers are welcome, too.)
3. Is willing to read (or listen to) approximately 15-30 pages per week on their own. We will read as much as possible in class, but nobody will be forced to read aloud against their will.

Supplemental materials and videos will provide background and enrichment weekly. 

Assignments: We will begin reading and discussing the first chapter in class. The remaining chapters are homework and should be read before the next class. 

Students will be expected to write a short journal entry after each week's reading is complete. This should include the main characters, the setting, a brief description of the main conflicts, and most importantly, a reaction to/thoughts on/questions about the chapters.

SCHEDULE NOTE: For the autumn 2022 class, there will be no class on Friday, November 25th.

Week 1
Introductions, expectations, author biographical information, and important literary concepts. We will begin reading the book together in class, with volunteers* reading aloud. 
What we don't finish reading in class should be completed by next week’s class: Chapters 1 & 2
(*This is the old-fashioned kind of volunteering--the student has to WANT to read. No one will be forced.)

Week 2
Discussion and sharing of selected journal observations. 
We will begin reading, and what we don't finish in class will be homework to be completed by next week’s class: Chapter 3

Week 3
Discussion and sharing of selected journal observations. 
We will begin reading and what we don't finish in class will be homework to be completed by next week’s class: Chapter 4

Week 4
Discussion and sharing of selected journal observations. 
The final project will be introduced and options discussed. Projects may be designed by each student or chosen from a list provided and might include research, essay writing, creative writing, painting, drawing, sculpture, music, performance, etc. Some examples will be provided.
We will begin reading and what we don't finish in class will be homework to be completed by next week’s class: Chapters 5 & 6

Week 5
Discussion and sharing of selected journal observations. 
We will begin reading and what we don't finish in class will be homework to be completed by next week’s class: Chapters 7 & 8

Week 6
Discussion and sharing of selected journal observations. 
We will begin reading and what we don't finish in class will be homework to be completed by next week’s class: Chapters  9
The final project will be discussed. 

Week 7
Students will present their projects to the class.

Other Details

Parental Guidance
Warning (and spoiler alert): The main character dies at the end by driving her car off the road, and a story told by one character to the others involves a suicide and may not be appropriate for all students. Feel free to message me if you have any questions.
Supply List
All background information will be provided. Students will need a copy of the book, either hard, paper, e-, or audio. Here are a few places you can get it:
https://www.indiebound.org/search/book?keys=the+haunting+of+hill+house
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/haunting-of-hill-house-shirley-jackson/1100285791?ean=9780143039983#/
https://www.amazon.com/Haunting-Hill-House-Penguin-Classics/dp/0143039989/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1522335448&sr=8-3&keywords=the+haunting+of+hill+house
For challenged readers, having audio to read along with can be very helpful. There is a marvelous (and free) Youtube version of the audiobook starting with:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkM_fz6AxFc&t=1870s&index=2&list=PLPeJu9nZ7cwt-O4eqJ1IXf5Ty5Sd7TY1R
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined August, 2017
5.0
184reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Nebraska Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Master's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from University of Nebraska
My mother sometimes would recite Edgar Allan Poe poems as our bedtimes stories. We teased her about it when we got older, but I am grateful for the early exposure to all kinds of literature, from Chaucer to the Brontes to all sorts of strange and eerie material. It may be why I'm a pretty cheerful person who is totally comfortable with weirdness.

One of my favorite things about being a teacher is finding ways to show reluctant readers how they can better enjoy reading. I like to use a combination of juicy material and proven reading strategies to build interest, proficiency, and confidence.

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$20

weekly
1x per week, 7 weeks
60 min

Completed by 14 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
2-9 learners per class

This class is no longer offered
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