Why does what we fear explain who we are?
How did vampires evolve in literature, and what is their function in societies around the world?
Why is the dark and foreboding in the realm of literature so fascinating to us?
If you’ve ever pondered any of the above questions (admit it – you know you have), then you’ll be happy to know that ACC offers a one-of-a-kind experience for students to embark on a scholarly study of the creepy-crawlies that haunt the human psyche.
In our ongoing ACC Honors Program showcase, we would be remiss not to include our Gothic Literature course. Created by long-time ACC professor Melissa Holton, who graciously agreed to be interviewed for the Dean’s blog, this deliciously dark course offering has been a perennial favorite among multiple generations of ACC Honors students – and with good reason! Read on and you’ll see what I mean…
Tell us about your background as an instructorat ACC, and what prompted you to create the Gothic Literature course.
I’ve taught at ACC for a long time, 25 years this fall to be exact. I have always enjoyed teaching literature and composition classes, and students noticed that the stories I chose made the class, in one student’s words, “like taking Death 1302”.
I was inspired to create the Gothic Literature course when I went to a huge Poe exhibit at the Harry Ransom Center in 2009. I was so enthralled during the curator’s tour, and really felt like my soul was on fire whilst poking around amongst Poe’s manuscripts, etc. The next day I came to ACC and saw my friend Doug Dawson’s flyer for his Dirty 30’s class in the Honors program and something just clicked in my head. From that moment on, I became obsessed with creating the course.
How many years have you taught Gothic Lit? How has the course evolved during that time?
Honors Gothic Literature first appeared in 2010, so this year will be its 9th year. It’s evolved in terms of the kinds of work we read as I’ve been more concerned with including contemporary gothic texts, and in terms of the kinds of special field trips I can offer. When we started we were able to see a Trouble Puppets production of Frankenstein, and other gothic works, and now we have added a field trip to view manuscripts and rare editions at the Harry Ransom Center. I’m positively giddy to share these exciting events with enthusiastic students.
How do you think someone who doesn’t consider themselves part of the “Gothic” subculture could benefit from this course?
No gothic membership card is required or expected! In fact, most of the students who take the class don’t “fit the type” (if indeed that can even be determined) and are simply students with an interest in literature, history, psychology, art, music, etc. What students invariably realize during the course of the class is that the gothic is everywhere, creeping into works and places where one might not think it would “live.”
As an Honors course, would you say that Gothic Lit is more challenging than a “regular” English literature class at ACC?
I don’t think it’s more difficult, really, just more creative and tailored to individual tastes and interests. The students have a real stake in the direction their research and analysis takes, and they respond really well to this freedom.
How is the course structured?
It’s structured around small group discussion. With a cap of 15 students, we discuss the works in a relaxed atmosphere, like a literary salon. Each student signs up to be a discussion leader on a few days and daily questions keep the reading invigorating and fun. Students write three short papers, and then students do a presentation on a special topic of their choice (related in some way to themes, tropes, etc. of what we’ve read) at the end of the semester.
Which authors will be on this year’s curriculum?
This is the last year before the course changes to a British Literature 2 course, so I’m going to emphasize Poe while I can! We’re reading Mary Shelley, Robert Louis Stevenson, E.A. Poe, John Polidori, Flannery O’Connor, Neil Gaiman, Sylvia Plath, to name a few…
Anything else you feel like prospective students should know?
For those not familiar with the Honors Program, I’d say take advantage of the opportunity to take a class with teachers who are not only knowledgeable, but extremely enthusiastic about their creative courses. It’s up to the student (once enrolled in the program) to decide how many Honors classes to take. That’s freedom! I always have students tell me that Honors classes are the ones they remember long after their time at ACC is done. The classes can change your life. Teaching Gothic Literature certainly reinvigorates my teaching each time, and I’m so grateful for how much I learn from the fabulous students.
If you had to define the Gothic in your own words, what would you say?
This is a loaded question! We spend a lot of the course debating and redefining the Gothic, so there’s no easy answer for me to give you here. I’d say in general that what the gothic as a genre has to offer is a deeper gaze into the darker recesses of the human psyche. If you can determine what a culture’s fears are, then that often tells you so much more about cultural identity than perhaps anything else could.
On a personal note: I myself am an alumna of the Fall 2013 Gothic Literature Class. I went on to earn a BA in English from the University of Texas. And I can say, without exaggeration, that Prof. Holton’s course remains my favorite literature class I took as an undergraduate. You will never look at the “Gothic” the same way ever again. Indeed, you may realize that you’re even a little “gothy” yourself, and never even knew it!
But don’t take my word for it – here’s what other children of the night former students have to say:
“My favorite class…ever.”
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciated the front loading of the class! So thoughtful of you, thanks!”
“Holton is an awesome professor. She loves to teach, and therefore, her students love to learn. Gothic Lit. is a wonderful addition to ACC’s course catalog. Wish there was a second course of [gothic literature].”
“This was a fabulous course. The instructor did an outstanding job in arranging the class syllabus. We need more courses and professors like Melissa.”
There is still time to register for the upcoming Fall 2018 semester! For more information about the ACC Honors Program and how to apply, visit http://sites.austincc.edu/honors/