High School Literature: A Semester of Edgar Allan Poe

Jennifer Smith, M.A. in English (she/her)

Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(127)

In this 12-week semester literature class, students will read, analyze, discuss, and write about the works and life of Edgar Allan Poe.

Class Experience

US Grade 10 - 12

Intermediate Level

In this class, students will study the life and works of Edgar Allan Poe. Each week we will read, discuss, and analyze Poe's works. Students will learn to identify and describe elements of Romanticism and the Gothic genre while also developing critical reading and literary analysis skills. This class consists of readings, weekly discussion guides, lectures, slide presentations, videos, and independent writing assignments. Students should have some background in literary analysis. 

Week 1:...

This class is taught in English.

Students will:
- Demonstrate knowledge of Edgar Allan Poe's life, works, and contributions to the Gothic genre.
- Define and explain elements of Romanticism and the Gothic.
- Analyze Poe's works for themes, symbolism, figurative language, and other literary devices.
- Make connections between various literary works, genres, authors, themes, and tropes.
- Demonstrate critical reading and literary analysis skills in oral and written formats.

I recently completed my Master's in English. During my time in graduate school, I studied the Gothic genre and wrote an essay on Poe for one of my courses. I also teach other Poe classes on the Outschool Platform. I have taught literature and poetry classes to public school students, co-op students, my homeschooled children, and in an online class format. Additionally, I have led poetry and literature workshops for adults. I have chosen to teach an entire semester on Poe because:
1. He is my favorite writer/poet.
2. I've been a Poe fanatic since I was 14 and read The Tell-Tale Heart for the first time.
3. I have Poe books, pillows, ravens, skulls, etc. throughout my house; I know Poe.
4. Poe is an excellent choice for encouraging students to really dive into (and enjoy) classic literature.

Homework Offered
- Students will have weekly homework. Each weekly homework assignment consists of reading (links to online versions of required reading will be posted each week.) A discussion guide will also be provided for each week. Supplemental sources will also be recommended on a weekly basis.
- Students will have an essay due during Week 11 of the class. There are several milestones leading up to the final essay. These milestones are listed in the Class Description. Further information about the essay will be provided during the Week 1 class meeting.2 - 4 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Learner progress is assessed through weekly class discussions, homework assignments, and a final project - the literary analysis essay.
Grades Offered

- Note-taking supplies (pen, paper, Notes app, etc.)
- Word processor (Google docs, Microsoft, etc.) for written assignments

In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:Youtube

Edgar Allan Poe writes in the Gothic genre. His work features unreliable narrators with disturbing thoughts, descriptions of the macabre, criminal acts, violence (including harm to and death of humans and animals), and other dark and disturbing elements.

Students and teacher:
- Works of Edgar Allan Poe (read online)
- YouTube

- Teacher only:
- The Cambridge Companion to the American Gothic
- The Norton Anthology of American Literature 1820-1865
- Critical Theory Today: A User-Friendly Guide by Lois Tyson

Available times

Pacific

Table of available sections

Meet the teacher

Jennifer Smith, M.A. in English (she/her)

Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(127)

I teach Literature, Writing, Poetry, Mythology, and Folklore classes for Middle and High School. I also teach a small selection of classes for elementary-aged students and preschoolers.

I have a BS in Elementary Education and a MA in English. I...