This class requires some writing as well as some viewing of classic horror films. 

Week 1: Vampires! We will discuss the origins of the vampire in literature and watch segments from the 1931, 1992 versions of Bram Stokers "Dracula" We will talk about Bela Lugosi, Christopher Lee, and others who have taken on the part. We will also discuss vampires of legend and folklore. I will explain why garlic and silver repels the retched beasts! 

Week 2: Frankenstein and Frankenstein's monster! Beware the dangers of science! We will talk about where and why Mary Shelley wrote the story at age 17 and published it at age 19! We will discuss Boris Karloff and other great portra/yals of the monster throughout the years. We will look at the inspirations for the novel, the real life Frankenstein-like insane scientists and alchemists. We will watch excerpts of at least three Frankenstein movies. NOTE: This is the week we will talk about the writing assignment and how to write an essay over literature or film. 

Week 3:  Phantoms! Opera anyone? Ghosts, ghouls, and phantoms of film and legend will be discussed. Lon Chaney Sr. will be discussed and the makeup of the horror industry will be discussed during this segment, for those of you who wish to terrorize your friends and family with movie makeup secrets! 

Week 4: Werewolves! We will discuss the legend of the lycanthrope, why silver bullets will put them down, real life people who have claimed to be werewolves in the past. We will talk about Lon Chaney Jr. and the Wolfman film. We will also talk about the several werewolf movies throughout the decades. (Sorry, but no blood and gut changes or attacks will be shown. Doesn't mean it won't still be scary!) (NOTE: I will assign the essay and talk about how to write an essay on literature and film as well as citing sources this week if I run out of time on week 2.)

Week 5: Witches! The Salem Witch Trials will be discussed along with black cats and familiars, flying broomsticks and bubbling cauldrons. From Shakespeare's "Macbeth" to Miller's "The Crucible", to Harry Potter: something wicked this way comes! 

Week 6: Creature Features! Not only creatures from the Black Lagoon, but also The Fly! Spider People! Mutants and Gremlins, we will look at horrible science gone wrong Mary Shelley style! Again with the dangers of science and messing with mother nature! Just wait, the atom and the atomic monsters are next week! 

Week 7: The 50s through the 70s - Hammer films, Atomic Monsters, and related Ghouls: The 50s, 60s, and 70s all had great monsters, man eating fish, killer sharks, as well as vampires, ghouls, and yes.....Zombies! We will discuss "The Omega Man" with Charlton Heston turning into the modern "I am Legend" with Will Smith where zombies were supposed to actually be vampires. Apes rule the world in 1968's "Planet of the Apes" and don't eat Soylent Green (Spoiler: it's people). We will look at the atomic monsters of the 50s, killer natural creatures like bees, oh and don't forget the Blob!

Week 8: Modern Myth, Urban legends, and Modern Tastes! Better bring a friend, this one might make your toes curl and keep you up at night! 

There will be a writing assignment. I will assign the writing assignment early in the class and will will not be due until the 7th week. I will also be giving an accumulative grade for participation, attendance, and homework for parents who need an English or art elective credit.