Twisted Tales: Unveiling the Dark Side of Fairytales
Explore the untold and darker stories behind fairytales and princesses, providing students with a deeper understanding of the original narratives and an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about complex themes.
Miss Kennah, B.A. in Anthropology and Thanatology
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(5)
What's included
1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hours per weekClass Experience
*Coupon code for $10 off your first class until September 24, 2024: KENNAH202410*
Embark on a captivating journey through the shadows of fairytales in this "Twisted Tales" course. Each week, we delve into the hidden narratives and darker origins of iconic princesses, such as: Ariel, Cinderella, Snow White, Aurora, and Belle. Uncover the chilling tales, haunting themes, and thought-provoking messages that lie beneath the surface of these beloved stories.
Week 1: The Little Mermaid
Week 2: The Brothers Grimm's Cinderella
Week 3: Snow White
Week 4: Sleeping Beauty
Week 5: Beauty and the Beast
Week 6: The Truth of Princess Anastasia
Week 7: Mulan
Week 8: The Real Story of Heracles and Megara
Week 9: Pocahontas
Week 10: Rapunzel
Week 11: Moana and Polynesian Mythology
Week 12: The Historical and Mythological Context of Brave
Week 13: The Princess and the Frog
Week 14: Frozen ("The Snow Queen")
Week 15: Kida and Mesoamerican Mythology (Atlantis)
Week 16: Snow White and the White Snake (Chinese Tale)
Week 17: Jasmine and One Thousand and One Nights
Week 18: Esmeralda and The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo
Week 19: Anna and Elsa and Sami Mythology
Week 20: Tiana and Voodoo in New Orleans
Week 21: El Dorado
Week 22: Coco
Week 23: Peter Pan
Week 24: Jungle Book
Week 25: Alice in Wonderland
Week 26: The Sword in the Stone
Week 27: Encanto
Week 28: Lilo and Stitch
Week 29: 101 Dalmatians
Week 30: Bambi
Week 31: Pinocchio
Week 32: Treasure Island
Week 33: Mary Poppins
Week 34: Robin Hood
Week 35: Egyptian Cinderella
**Note: Students will also have the opportunity to request reading about the origin stories of other Disney movies as well.**
Through engaging discussions, close readings of original texts and multimedia presentations, this course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the darker layers that exist within fairytales. By examining these complex narratives, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the evolution of these stories and the underlying messages they convey.
Join us for "Twisted Tales" and unlock the hidden depths of these magical tales, ultimately reshaping your understanding of these beloved stories forever.Learning Goals
1. Gain an in-depth understanding of the original tales that inspired Disney princess movies and the cultural and historical context surrounding their creation.
2. Analyze and interpret the darker themes and messages present in the original stories, such as sacrifice, abuse, resilience, and the consequences of one's actions.
3. Develop critical thinking and analytical skills through discussions and reflections on the differences between the original tales and their Disney adaptations, examining the reasons behind the changes made.
4. Explore the psychological dimensions of the princess characters, their motivations, and character arcs, allowing for a deeper appreciation of their complexity and development.
5. Foster empathy and understanding by discussing the implications of these darker themes with regards to personal growth, societal norms, and relationships, encouraging thoughtful reflections and conversations about complex topics.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
These original stories often feature themes such as sacrifice, abuse, jealousy, and dark consequences. While we will approach these subjects with sensitivity and age-appropriate discussions, it's crucial for you to be aware that some of the material covered in the course might challenge the traditional, idealized versions of the princesses that your children may be familiar with.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
"The Little Mermaid" - Written by Hans Christian Andersen
"Cinderella" - Written by Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm
"Snow White" - Written by the Brothers Grimm
"Sleeping Beauty" - Written by Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm
"Beauty and the Beast" - Written by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont
Rossel, S. A. (2005). Hans Christian Andersen: Danish Writer and Citizen of the World. University Press of Southern Denmark.
Wullschlager, J. (2002). Hans Christian Andersen: The Life of a Storyteller. University of Chicago Press.
Hood, E. P. (2001). "Sleeping Beauty" and the Prophetic Tradition. Marvels & Tales, 15(1), 49-62.
Fuchs, B. (1993). "Sleeping Beauty": A Dual-Coded Fairy Tale. The Lion and the Unicorn, 17(1), 72-88.
Bottigheimer, R. (2008). Fairy Godfather: Straparola, Venice, and the Fairy Tale Tradition. University of Pennsylvania Press.
Opie, I., & Opie, P. (1974). The Classic Fairy Tales. Oxford University Press.
Haase, D. (2008). The Reception of Grimms' Fairy Tales: Responses, Reactions, Revisions. Wayne State University Press.
Tatar, M. (1987). The Hard Facts of the Grimms' Fairy Tales. Princeton University Press.
Warner, M. (1994). From the Beast to the Blonde: On Fairy Tales and Their Tellers. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
Zipes, J. (1983). Fairy Tales and the Art of Subversion: The Classical Genre for Children and the Process of Civilization. Routledge.
Joined May, 2023
5.0
5reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Miss Kennah brings a wealth of expertise and academic qualifications to the field of anthropology education. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and Thanatology from the University of Rhode Island, and ongoing studies pursuing a master's degree in Anthropology at Harvard University, she possesses a strong foundation in the field. Additionally, Miss Kennah has gained valuable international experience during her time at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, where she studied and immersed herself in the vibrant local culture. This diverse educational background allows her to bring a rich global perspective to the classroom, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity among students. With her passion for anthropology and dedication to providing engaging and comprehensive instruction, Miss Kennah is committed to creating a stimulating learning environment that nurtures curiosity and critical thinking skills in every student.Reviews
Live Group Class
$18
weekly1x per week
50 min
Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
1-18 learners per class
