Studies in Renaissance Literature (338-0-20)

Topic

Early Modern Horror

Instructors

Kasey Evans

Meeting Info

Harris Hall L06: Mon, Wed 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

This course will bring together English Renaissance literature, classical and Renaissance theories of spectatorship, and academic writing on horror as a genre. Building on canonical thinkers from Aristotle to Kristeva, we will consider how early modern theater anticipated conventions of the Gothic novel, the genre more traditionally cited as the birthplace of horror. Across three units—focused on revenge tragedy, witches, and monsters—we will consider the psychological, cultural, and civic functions of this horror or proto-horror literature. We will think critically about the potential, the inevitability, and the risks of approaching early literature through anachronistic frames of reference.

Teaching Method

Two 80-minute meetings, brief lectures and discussion.

Evaluation Method

Attendance & participation, reading quizzes, in-class presentations, midterm and final papers written in class.

Class Materials (Required)

Thomas Kyd, The Spanish Tragedy, ISBN 978-1904271604
John Webster, The Duchess of Malfi, ISBN 978-1904271512
Thomas Middleton, The Revenger's Tragedy, ISBN 978-1472520456
William Shakespeare, Macbeth, ISBN 978-1904271413
Thomas Dekker et al, The Witch of Edmonston, ISBN 1904271529
Darryl Jones, Horror: A Very Brief Introduction, ISBN 978-0198755562

Class Attributes

Advanced Expression
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
SoC Humanities and Fine Arts Distro