Introduction to Gothic Literature
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Course Description
Do you like stories about vampires, ghosts, or other monsters? Frightening tales like
these were a huge influence on fiction writers in the 18th century, creating the genre of
gothic literature. Introduction to Gothic Literature is a one-semester, introductory course
that focuses on the major themes found in gothic literature. The conflict between good
and evil, the influence of the supernatural, and the difference between terror and horror
are just a few of the themes presented. The course also explores how gothic literature’s
authors produced the thrilling psychological environments their works create. After
completing this course, you will have gained an understanding of and an appreciation
for the complex nature of this type of fiction.
Course Objectives
When you finish this course, you will be able to:
Discuss the definition and specific traits of gothic literature
Discuss the social and historical factors that influenced the birth of this genre
Read and understand a variety of gothic works, including Frankenstein, The
Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Dracula
Identify the traits of gothic literature in various gothic works
Course Assignment Values
Assignment Type
Points
Possible
Weight
16 Assignments
320 pts
39.8%
8 Graded Discussions
120 pts
14.9%
4 pts
0.5%
200 pts
24.8%
Midterm Exam
64 pts
8%
Final Exam
Course Totals
96 pts
804 pts
12%
100%
1 Journal
8 Unit Tests
Suggested Course Schedule
The suggested time frame shown below is based on learning sessions. A learning
session is a 45-minute period of time. This course should take approximately 90
learning sessions to complete, but this schedule is just a suggestion. You may work on
each unit at your own pace, completing as many learning sessions as you’d like in one
©2013 Advanced Academics, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
sitting. However, keep in mind that you must finish the entire course within the time
specified by your school district.
Unit 1: Gothica: When Gruesome is Delicious
Learning Sessions 1 - 10
This unit will introduce you to the specific characteristics of gothic literature. You will
explore the social and historical factors that influenced the birth of this genre and
identify themes typically found in gothic works.
In this unit, there will be:
2 Assignments
1 Discussion
1 Unit Test
40 pts
15 pts
25 pts
Unit 2: Frankenstein: A Monster is Born
Learning Sessions 11 - 21
In this unit, you will learn about Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein, and discover
the society in which she lived. You will begin reading the novel and find ways to connect
it to your own personal experiences. You will also seek out ways in which this book
exhibits characteristics of the gothic genre.
In this unit, there will be:
2 Assignments
1 Discussion
1 Unit Test
40 pts
15 pts
25 pts
Unit 3: Frankenstein: With Great Power. . .
Learning Sessions 22 - 33
In this unit, you will continue reading Frankenstein while investigating scientific and
medical issues related to the theme of “playing god.” You will also compare the book to
the poem “Prometheus” by Johann Wolfgang.
In this unit, there will be:
2 Assignments
1 Discussion
1 Unit Test
40 pts
15 pts
25 pts
©2013 Advanced Academics, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Unit 4: Jekyll and Hyde: To Thine Ownself Be True
Learning Sessions 34 - 44
This unit will introduce The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and its author,
Robert Louis Stevenson. In this unit, you will read the novel and describe how it
represents characteristics of the gothic genre.
In this unit, there will be:
2 Assignments
1 Discussion
1 Journal
1 Unit Test
40 pts
15 pts
4 pts
25 pts
Introduction to Gothic Literature Midterm Exam
Midterm Exam
Learning Session 45
64 pts
Unit 5: Gothic Poetry: Love from Beyond the Grave
Learning Sessions 46 - 56
In this unit, you will read a variety of poems from the gothic genre, including “Porphyria’s
Lover,” by Robert Browning, and “The Highwayman,” by Alfred Noyes.
In this unit, there will be:
2 Assignments
1 Discussion
1 Unit Test
40 pts
15 pts
25 pts
Unit 6: Dracula: The Blood Is the Life
Learning Sessions 57 - 67
In this unit, you will begin reading Dracula, by Bram Stoker. You will study the scientific
and social issues of Victorian times and the geographical differences between
nineteenth-century Europe and modern Europe.
In this unit, there will be:
2 Assignments
1 Discussion
1 Unit Test
40 pts
15 pts
25 pts
©2013 Advanced Academics, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Unit 7: Dracula: The Hunter Becomes the Hunted
Learning Sessions 68 - 78
In this unit, you will finish reading Dracula. In addition, you will discuss physiognomy
and phrenology and their influence in Bram Stoker’s writing. You will also read and
analyze the poem “Totentanz” by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
In this unit, there will be:
2 Assignments
1 Discussion
1 Unit Test
40 pts
15 pts
25 pts
Unit 8: Edgar Allan Poe: The Monsters in Us
Learning Sessions 79 - 89
In this unit, you will be introduced to Edgar Allan Poe and read two of his short stories:
“The Black Cat” and “Berenice.”
In this unit, there will be:
2 Assignments
1 Discussion
1 Unit Test
40 pts
15 pts
25 pts
Introduction to Gothic Literature Final Exam
Final Exam
Learning Session 90
96 pts
Contacting Your Instructor
You can reach a teacher several ways. You can call toll-free at 1-866-235-3276, chat by
clicking the “Talk to a Teacher” button in the top right of the screen or the orange and
white dialogue bubbles (the second icon on the menus on the left side of the screen).
You can also send a message by going to the Communications center on your course
desktop. Teachers and online tutors are available to provide academic support
Mondays–Fridays from 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. (CST). AAI also partners with
Smarthinking to provide additional tutoring services at extended hours. Teachers use
these same methods to contact, engage, and motivate students. The expectation is that
teachers will contact students as needed to teach and reinforce lesson concepts.
Students and teachers also communicate through course lessons and activities. In
addition to written feedback on work that you receive, you will also communicate with
your teacher through blogs and online discussions. These opportunities for
communication are woven throughout the course to provide a rich environment of
academic discourse. You are expected to use these communication vehicles in addition
to online chat and classmail.
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If you have a technology issue with your course, such as a problem with pop-up
blockers or difficulty uploading documents, you can contact Support via the question
mark icon on the main menu in the Classroom, or by calling toll-free at 1-866-235-3276.
Support help is available day or night, every day of the week.
Privacy Policy
No member of the Advanced Academics staff is authorized to release student
information without the written permission of the student’s parent or legal guardian.
Names, images, and/or class work of Advanced Academics students will not be
published in print, video/film, or on our public website without written student and
guardian consent.
Disability Statement
If you have a disability or condition that may affect your ability to succeed in this course,
please contact your teacher. It’s important that you discuss the problem with him or her
so accommodations may be made to give you every opportunity to perform well. Your
teacher and virtual school program coordinators are committed to helping students with
disabilities succeed, and every request will be treated with respect and confidentiality.
©2013 Advanced Academics, Inc. All Rights Reserved.