Genre in Asian Literatures (395-0-20)

Topic

Japanese Horror

Instructors

Thomas Gaubatz
847/491-2766
1880 Campus Drive, Kresge Hall, Office 4-345
Office Hours: varies by quarter, please contact instructor

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-425: Tues, Thurs 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

AY25-26. Why do we enjoy being scared, and what cultural meanings are communicated by media that terrifies us? Is horror universal or culturally specific? How are the formal techniques of horror shaped and deployed by different cultures in different historical moments? And how are the nightmares of the present related to ghosts of the past and fears (or hopes) for the future? This course explores these questions in the context of Japanese horror media from the 19th century to the present. Students will be introduced to major theories of horror, practice applying them to interpret diverse texts, and learn to use primary materials to critique and enrich theoretical models.

Teaching Method

Lecture, Discussion, Student Presentations

Evaluation Method

Participation, online discussion, short essays, student presentation, final paper

Class Materials (Required)

All materials will be made available digitally in PDF form.

Class Attributes

Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area