Why are so many people fascinated with paranormal phenomena? What is modern myth and folklore? In this Honors level English course, students will explore how supernatural elements have impacted literature and culture throughout time, with an emphasis on modern myth and folklore.
Beginning with an examination of folklore and the oral tradition, students will read Lois Lowry’s The Giver and the concept of shared memory. How and why have cultures developed shared stories? Next, students will read Firestarter, by Stephen King, and will examine the impacts of paranormal events and powers on communities. Concurrently, students will investigate alien abductions and urban legends, working to understand them as part of modern folklore and myth. Students will move on to read Toni Morrison’s Beloved, a novel that explores how the past can haunt us, both literally and figuratively. The class will work collaboratively to investigate concepts around ghosts, haunting, and witchcraft. Finally, students will move on to Robert Cormier’s Fade, a novel that considers the impact of supernatural powers within a family.
Throughout the course students will write extensively in both formal and informal settings. They will be responsible for writing several formal literary essays as well as an extended creative piece. Please note that this course does not focus on traditional mythology, such as myths from Ancient Greece and Rome or Arthurian Legend.
Note: The four novels in this course contain mature content, including violence, sexual violence, sex, adult language, racism, and suicide.
Please note this course contains a final exam that will require the student to identify in advance an appropriate location as well as an adult proctor for the exam.
Students are expected to obtain the following books from their school or local library:
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Firestarter by Stephen King
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Fade by Robert Cormier