EXCO 122 - StrangeCo: A Survey of American Strangeness

1 credit
From the beloved Bigfoot to the bizarre Kentucky Meat Shower, the United States of America is host to a plethora of paranormal, supernatural, and all-around strange legends and lore. This survey course tours these incidents of strangeness throughout history, navigating subjects including but not limited to aliens, ghosts, cryptids, creepypastas, and spontaneous combustion. We will consider sources across time from varying approaches and with varying veracity while examining the impact of these stories on the American psyche and culture. Beyond the readings and lectures, students are invited to actively engage with the material in a creative project and final presentation, as well as collaborating with their fellows in class discussions and activities. The content will be accessible to all: believers, skeptics, experts, and not-yet-experts alike. Put on your tin foil hat and join us in exploring the weird and wonderful world of the strange!

Camille Thorp
cthorp@oberlin.edu
Link to Syllabus
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