Honors: Horror Film

Catalog description

Horror, one of the most popular and resilient genres in the history of film, is in the middle of a major boom with more horror-themed films and television shows being produced than ever. But what exactly defines something as horror? And what is it about the horror film that keeps us coming back for more? And what?s going on right now to make it so popular? It's certainly more than the experience of being scared. In this course, we will watch and discuss a variety of classic and contemporary horror films with the purpose of a) understanding the history of horror film and its literary and artistic antecedents b) recognizing the cinematic codes of the genre b) considering how the horror film ? and its varied subgenres ? often functions as a barometer of social anxieties surrounding issues of gender, sexuality, and race. In addition to watching films (in class and outside), students will read, discuss, and write about a variety of theoretical essays and texts on horror film. Please note: We will be watching horror films. The films viewed in this course often contain graphic violence and some sexual content. If you are uncomfortable watching, discussing, and/or analyzing such material, you should not take this class.