This class with Kayla Stierwalt follows a discussion based format. Each session covers a classic Edgar Allan Poe short story that students read prior to that week's meeting, and the teacher facilitates the discussion, adding context. This includes introductory level information about Edgar Allan Poe, historical significance and literary merit.
Students engage with the stories, exploring themes, style, symbolism and metaphor, and more. They also examine what makes the tales have an atmospheric feel, a spooky tension and lasting impression. Poe utilizes atmospheric details to develop tension, and students can learn how to spot it. Through discussion, they practice articulating their observations as well as hear other perspectives to gain a more nuanced understanding of literature. 

The stories discussed include "The Fall of the House of Usher," "The Masque of the Red Death," "The Pit and the Pendulum," "The Tell-Tale Heart," and "The Cask of Amontillado."

Week One: "The Fall of the House of Usher"
Students discuss the story "The Fall of the House of Usher," focusing on the way Poe develops tension through both setting and interpersonal dynamics, particularly how the enclosed physical space heightens the conflict between characters. 

Week Two: "The Masque of the Red Death" 
Students discuss the story "The Masque of the Red Death." They explore how historical context details add to the story's horror elements. 

Week Three: "The Pit and the Pendulum"
Students discuss the story "The Pit and the Pendulum." They examine symbolic details and how they add to the spookiness. 

Week Four: "The Tell-Tale Heart" 
Students discuss the story "The Tell-Tale Heart," focusing on the role of guilt. Again, they explore how a limited space adds to the story's tension. 

Week Five: "The Cask of Amontillado" 
Students discuss the story "The Cask of Amontillado." They explore the previously discussed story elements and how they apply to this story, particularly the atmospheric details.