Expository Writing (105-0-20)

Topic

Vampires, Then and Now

Instructors

Isabel Griffith-Gorgati

Meeting Info

Harris Hall L05: Tues, Thurs 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

The charming aristocrat. The lesbian seductress. The "vegetarian" vampire. In this course we will trace the development of the vampire figure in transatlantic literature and film from the 18th century to the present, concluding with Ryan Coogler's smash hit Sinners. Alongside widely popular works such as Dracula and the Twilight saga, we will encounter lesser-known vampires from regions such as the Caribbean. As we explore popular vampire stories, we will consider what they reveal about a society's fears and desires. Many vampire narratives convey anxieties about immigration, women's independence, queer sexuality, and contagion, while others use the figure of the parasite to expose structures of racial, sexual, and class exploitation. Questions for discussion will include: When, where, and why are vampires sexy? What makes them different from other undead creatures? How might the vampire be simultaneously a villain and a victim? As we explore how vampire stories have captivated audiences for centuries, students will also practice the art of compelling storytelling through critical writing.