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.