College Seminar (101-7-23)

Topic

Confronting Monstrosity

Instructors

Katharine Helen Breen

Meeting Info

University Hall 418: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

The English word monster is derived from Latin words meaning ‘to demonstrate' and ‘to warn.' Seen from this perspective, dragons, witches, vampires, zombies, and werewolves serve as giant warning signs, cautioning travelers not to enter spaces that are, nonetheless, persistently alluring. (As you have no doubt noticed, signs such as "No Swimming," "No Ice Skating," "No Loud Music" tend to prohibit activities that many people find enjoyable.) In this course, we will examine different kinds of monsters and the dangers they represent in works of literature, film, and art. How do monsters threaten, and how do they help to produce, the civilizing categories of nation, family, and self? How do they animate and help to enforce taboos relating to race, religion, gender, and sexuality? We will read a core group of theoretical texts together, but students will also have considerable latitude to research and analyze monsters of their choosing.

Class Materials (Required)

Texts, images, and videos for this course will be available on Canvas.

Class Attributes

WCAS College Seminar