1. “What is the horror genre?”
Literary Criticism
by Sharon A. Russell

2. Quick Question
What do you associate with horror?

3. Video Clips Psycho (1960): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG3-GlvKPcg
“The Cat with Hands”:
Fear the Walking Dead:
If Frozen Were a Horror Movie:

4. Quick Question
How did each clip relate to your initial associations with the horror genre?

5. Literary Criticism Rate Your Understanding: 1 2 3 4 literary criticism
Definition:
A piece of writing that defines, examines, analyzes, or interprets a particular subject in a piece of text.
Word Related:
Sentence:
Picture:
literary criticism
*Complete on a separate sheet of paper.

6. Defining Horror Activity (After Reading)
Determine the central idea of your designated paragraph using a summarizing sentence. (Independent)
EXAMPLE: The horror genre is often classified by its structure, specifically through the intensifying suspense over the development of the plot.
Collaborate with peers of the same corresponding number. Find the best summarizing sentence or combination of summarizing sentences. Modify your own if needed!
Take responses back to your team and share. Write down all other summarizing sentences, labeling each according to number.
Be prepared to share with the whole class.

7. Exit Slip Question
According to the author, what are the FIVE key traits of the horror genre? Be as concise as possible, focusing on the key words from your summaries!
Example: The horror genre is often classified by its structure, specifically through the intensifying suspense over the development of the plot.
Suspenseful plot structure ?

8. “The Psychology of a Horror Movie Fan”
By Katie Heany

9. Quick Question
Do you like films and / or literature that fall into the horror genre? Why / Why not?

10. Why We Enjoy Fear Activity
After reading “The Psychology of a Horror Movie Fan,” summarize the FOUR theories that explain why we enjoy horror films. Make sure to elaborate on the reasoning behind each.
Zillman’s excitation transfer paradigm suggests that viewers enjoy horror movies more so when the threatened protagonist that we like ends up surviving. On the other hand, when the liked protagonist is harmed or dies, viewers (supposedly) don’t experience the same enjoyment from the film. ?
According to the author, which one of these claims (theories) seems to be the strongest? Why?

11. Exit Slip: A Personal Connection
Which one of the claims presented in the article would YOU fall under? Why?
*If you do NOT fall under any of these categories because you do NOT like horror films, which claim do you believe is most valid? Why?

12. Video Clip
“Why Are Things Creepy?”: