World Lit & Composition Name: Modern Monsters: Unnatural Creatures in Pop Culture Hour: PRE-VIEWING RESEARCH Total of /100 pts DIRECTIONS: To do an informed and more critical study of these episodes, you will need to read some background research as the writers and directors of these episodes have also done. Follow the directions on this sheet. When applicable, use the resources on our Monsters Resources page, through Schoology. Hush Research (You will conduct your own research for this episode.) 1. Make a list (5-7 significant details) of the characteristics of Expressionism in ART. Use more than one resource to cross-reference your information. (5 pts) 2. Next, find two German Artists who are good examples of Expressionism. Either sketch a key element from the artworks or paste two images below. Under or next to each image, write the title and the artist; then, identify what classifies it as Expressionism. (7 pts) 3. Make a list (5-7 significant details) that retells the plot of the 1919/1920 film, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. (5 pts)
4. Choose two images that show certain parts of the plot of Dr. Caligari and paste them below. (5 pts) 5. Finally, look up Revelations 15:1. Record the scripture passage below. Later, we will discuss it s relevance in Hush. (3 pts) Arctic Wrath Research (Use the Monster Resources link.) 1. Tell about the Arctic Circle Hot Springs Resort in Central, Alaska. What activities would you enjoy if you stayed there? (5 pts) 1. How do spirits communicate with Mediums? Explain the four methods (beyond the topic sentence). (5 pts) a. b. c. d.
2. (Video) What is the history of Mediumship and Psychics according to this documentary? What was going on in history that correlates with the rise of psychics? (5 pts) 5. Do psychics help or hinder, in your opinion, after the information of this documentary? Explain. (5 pts) Nightshifter Research (Use the Monster Resources link.) Do some research on different examples of shapeshifters from different cultures, also try to identify their function in the culture. In the episode Nightshifter we will look for similarities or parallels. (5 pts) Culture of Origin Name and Description Reasons for Shapeshifting Function in Culture 1. 2. 3.
World Lit & Composition Modern Monsters: Unnatural Creatures in Pop Culture Name: Hour: VIEWING LOGS Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Hush (In this column, take notes while viewing. [10 pts] ) The Evil Inside Featurette (This column is a post-film exercise. It will be completed after the episode. [10 pts] ) Villains Take notes on keeping it scary, through appearances of the villain, movements, and the fears the villains represent. Heroines Take notes on keeping it scary, through actions/reactions, props, and what the hero(ines) represent. Elements of Horror What are the dread threats? List examples of what creates tension and terror. Humor A trademark of BVS series, examine how, and when the writers use humor.
Arctic Wrath Episode Notes (In this column, take notes while viewing. [10 pts] ) 1. Take notes on Amy s walk her experiences, compelling quotes, and descriptions of images. Research Notes and Connections (This column is a post-film exercise. It will be completed after the episode. [10 pts] ) 1. Using the Baroque Monsters of Father Schott link, look for information that parallels the experiences of the Arctic Wrath episode. Search for at least 3 connections. Explain each. 2. Record details on Steve s research findings about the rural town and the history of he resort. 1. What do Amy and Steve reveal to their clients? What suggestions do they make for safety? 2. If we look at Arctic Wrath strictly as supernatural entertainment, is it possible the writers knew of this or some other source? Explain your response using examples from the episode or the link. 2. With what type of unnatural creature is the family dealing? Explain. Or do you have a folkloric, scientific, or psychological explanation for their experiences? Explain.
6. Of the four methods of spirit communication you uncovered, how does Amy communicate with spirits? Nightshifter Horror with a sense of humor. The motif of this series is two guys, brothers, regular people who deal with the supernatural when the rest of the world is oblivious, except for a few unfortunate others who are deemed nuts by regular society. This in the style of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Sleepy Hollow, and other series that explore what is crazy and what isn t. Are there parallel universes? Do monsters live among us? (10 pts) 1. Okay, let s get something straight. It s not a mandroid. It s a shapeshifter. Describe the physical and psychological aspects of the nightshifter. Why is there one at the bank? 2. Comment on the following quotes regarding the Nightshifter. "Kills them. Doesn t kill them. I don t think it really matters. This thing was born different, hideous and hated; until he learned to become someone else. 3. Explain how the director builds the character of Ronald Reznick. Pay particular attention to visuals: costuming, setting, lighting (and music), as well as dialogue. What are we supposed to think of Reznick in the beginning, middle, and end? 4. Identify a variety of dread threats or different characters in the episode.