Glad to meet you all today! Looking forward to our semester.
For HW:
-Watch the John Bowen video on the Gothic (see “Videos”). Use the captions function to read the text of the lecture as you listen. Take notes on key Gothic motifs and themes. If you wish, you can also change the speed of the lecture so that you can listen at a faster rate.
-Read chapters 1-2 of The Castle of Otranto and Stevens’ essay on Gothic tradition, pp. 8-15 (UPDATED). Use the audiobook to guide your reading – you can vary the playback speed as necessary.
In the shared text, provide at least 2-3 annotations: at least 1 in chapter 1, 1 in chapter 2. These annotations should be 20-30 words. In particular, draw attention to moments where you see characters, scenes, turns of phrase, or plot developments illustrating points from John Bowen’s lecture [CORRECTED]. Read the “Digital Annotation Instructions” for further details.
-Use your blog group discussion forums to help each other clear up plot points or questions you may have. I do monitor these forums – esp. helpful or informative participation can count towards your participation grade.
-Read pp. 8-15 of David Stevens’ introduction to the Gothic (see Readings). Print and bring to class.
