Scream Theory: The Changing Face of Fear

Description

Theme for 2025: The Forms of Fear

What do Goosebumps books, found footage horror, the infamous Grand Guignol Theatre of Paris and Slender Man all have in common? They are all diverse examples of recreational terror – a pleasurable form of fear, in which terror, horror, and suspense can be fun, as well as meaningful and social. This course is interested in the immense diversity of types of scary storytelling, with a particular focus on how different mediums of interest to English and Cultural Studies can leverage, express and represent horror in different eras. We’ll investigate diverse ways of conceptualising horror and related genres, while charting key shifts in horror storytelling across the 20th and 21st centuries. We’ll also explore the opportunities presented through changes in representation, medium specificity, materiality, and technology. Topics will include: horror film; gender and horror; theatre and horror; television anthologies; Indigenous horror; horror literature for young readers; Aotearoa horror web series; horror and technology; creepypasta and digital horror. You will have opportunities to explore your own topics, as well as mediums of interest to you.

Please note that this course has an emphasis upon in-person engagement, and is not appropriate for distance learning. Our lectures will be quite hands on and participatory, so students are required to be present and contribute consistently in person to get the most out of the course, and to fulfil participation requirements. Assessments are structured carefully to help you develop the skills you need to succeed in the course. ECHO recordings of lectures will be made available as study resources when available, but these are not a replacement for consistent in-person attendance.