EXCO 446 - Horror ExCo

2 credits
Horror films, made to be seen by many and terrify the majority, must thus reflect a society’s most pertinent fears and anxieties. The horror genre is uniquely visceral and satirical, neither societal symbolism nor cultural critique escaping the orbit of gore and gimmick. This course is intended to expose horror newcomers to a wide variety of horror films and subgenres, and to challenge both newcomers and longtime horror fans to define horror for themselves while asking questions about its cultural significance in America and beyond. Students will question the long-standing link between horror and female sexuality, explore distinctly international horror subgenres such as Giallo and J-Horror, and study the relationship between horror and the current political climate, among other things. One film will be screened each class, and students will be assigned weekly readings and films to watch at home.

Jo Chvatal
echvatal@oberlin.edu
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