Horror & Gothic Studies

When other kids were hearing bedtime stories of The Pokey Little Puppy and Corduroy, I was hearing about Ichabod Crane, Montresor, and Rappaccini’s Daughter. This started me on the path to becoming a voracious reader, and then a committed teacher who could always connect with others through a ghastly tale or two.

That early introduction to eerie stories shaped the way I came to understand literature. Horror and gothic tales were never just about being scared. They were about secrets, warnings, outsiders, locked rooms, cursed objects, and the things people tried very hard not to say out loud.

Naturally, I was hooked—truly a sensible reaction to being read Poe so early.

As an educator and researcher, I use horror and gothic literature to help readers ask deeper questions about culture, language, identity, fear, and power. These stories have a remarkable ability to reach reluctant readers, spark discussion, and create connections across various backgrounds.

As an educator and researcher, I use horror and gothic literature to help readers ask deeper questions about culture, language, identity, fear, and power. These stories have a remarkable ability to reach reluctant readers, spark discussion, and create connections across backgrounds us a shared language for exploring what unsettles us and what that unease can teach us.

The Gothic Literature Tradition Redefined

Teaching Horror Literature or Writing in the Classroom

Engaging Reluctant Readers with Tales of Terror

Cross-Cultural Connections through Ghosts, Vampires, and Zombies

Monsters, Margins, and Cultural Anxiety

Women in Horror

I have presented on horror, gothic literature, language, literacy, and teaching at regional and national conferences, including NCTE, NCSS, and La Cosecha. In 2026, I will also be a panelist at StokerCon, where I look forward to joining broader conversations about horror, literature, education, and the cultural work of fear.

In addition to conference presentations, I design and lead professional development, workshops, and trainings for pre-service and in-service teachers. These sessions focus on using genre literature to support critical reading, writing instruction, language development, student engagement, cross-cultural understanding, and meaningful classroom discussion. Whether working with future teachers, classroom educators, or public audiences, my goal is to make spooky stories useful, rigorous, and just unsettling enough to keep everyone awake.

Horror and gothic literature do more than frighten us. They help us ask better questions about culture, identity, language, and learning and to broaden our understanding of experiences, perceptions, and connections.

If you are looking for an engaging presenter for panels, guest lectures, workshops, podcasts or classroom visits, contact:  aliceigarcia@gmail.com