3505 - Terrifying Short Stories
Course Description
Students will creep into the origins of horror writing and learn how to exploit human fear to terrify readers. We will explore the dreadful abyss of ghosts, monsters, witches, vampires, werewolves, and psychological horror with curated weekly readings that will give you nightmares. At the end of six weeks, students will complete a draft of an original terrifying short story using techniques to torment readers through a sleepless night. This course is not for the faint of heart.
Course Outline
Lesson 1. The Origins of Horror and the Science of Fear
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Types of horror stories (ghosts, monsters, vampires, werewolves, psychological, sci-fi)
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The science of fear and how writers use it
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Basics of horror short story structure
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Brainstorming story ideas and outlining a horror story
Lesson 2. Classic Horror Stories, Gothic, Ghosts, and the Supernatural
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Edgar Allen Poe and Gothic Horror
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Spooky settings and atmosphere
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Supernatural elements: ghosts, demons, and paranormal beings
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Building tension and using the unexpected
Lesson 3. Folklore, Fairy Tales, and Myths in Horror
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Folk tales, mythology, and classic horror tropes
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Using ancient tales to inspire modern horror
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Incorporating familiar horror tropes effectively
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Cultivate feedback techniques and explore reading work out loud
Lesson 4. Monsters!
- Classic monsters and when to reveal them
- Comedy and horror as close cousins
- Diagnose ways to use the unexpected in horror writing
Lesson 5. Body, Survival, and Serial Killer Horror
- Slasher and survival horror
- Writing gore with purpose—story-driven vs. gratuitous
- Ethical considerations in graphic horror
Lesson 6. Cosmic and Psychological Horror
- Cosmic horror, aliens, and the unknown
- H.P. Lovecraft's influence on the genre
- Psychological horror and fear of madness
- Shirley Jackson and character-driven suspense
Learner Outcomes
After completing this class, participants will be able to:
- Analyze and apply core horror writing techniques
- Develop an original horror short story
- Recognize elements of horror literature's historical and thematic foundations