By the end of the course students should be able to:
1. Have a better understanding of literary theory and criticism and how we can apply it to various texts.
2. Have a working knowledge of the history of the horror film and how that genre functions.
3. Be introduced to and have a basic working knowledge of the ideas inherent in Psychoanalytic, Marxist, Feminist, Queer, Critical Race, and Postmodern literary and cultural theories.

By the end of the course students should be able to:
1. Have a better understanding of literature theory and criticism and how we can apply it to various texts.
2. Have a working knowledge of the history of the horror film and how that genre functions.
3. Be introduced to and have a basic working knowledge of the ideas inherent in Psychoanalytic, Marxist, Feminist, Queer, Critical Race, and Postmodern literary and cultural theories.

This course will introduce students to various literary theories that challenge (or inform) ideological held beliefs and then have them watch modern horror films to which these diverse theories can be applied. Students will recognize and be able to discuss the connections between horror films and the ideas inherent in literary criticism.
The seminar will focus on six major literary theories (Psychoanalytic, Marxist, Feminist, Queer, Critical Race, and Postmodern) during the course, alternating between introductory lectures on these theories and student-led discussions based off a selected horror film. Students will read various articles and critiques about each selected film and will take turns to lead discussions based on what they have learned and read about each film along with how they interpret the chosen film through as an example of each theory.
At the end of the semester students will choose their own horror film and analyze it in terms of one of the studied literary theories. They will write a research paper and do presentations in the final two weeks of class.

This course will introduce students to various literary theories that challenge (or inform) ideaological hold beliefs and then have them watch modern horror films to which these diverse theories can be applied. Students will recognize and be able to discuss the connections between horror films and the ideas inherent in literary criticism.
The seminar will focus on six major literary theories (Psychoanalytic, Marxist, Feminist, Queer, Critical Race, and Postmodern) during the course, altering between introduction lessons on these theories and student-led discussions based off a selected horror film. Students will read various articles and critics about each selected film and will take turns to lead discussions based on what they have learned and read about each film along with how they interpret the chosen film through as an example of each theory.
At the end of the semister students will choose their own horror film and analyze it in terms of one of the studied literature theories. They will write a research paper and do presentations in the final two weeks of class.

Required Texts:
Barry, Peter. Beginning Theory: An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory. 4th Edition. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2009.
Us, (2019). Dir. Jordan Peele.
Hereditary, (2018). Dir. Ari Aster.
The Witch: A New England Folktale, (2015). Dir. Dave Eggars.
The Cabin in the Woods, (2011). Dir. Drew Goddard.
Candyman, (1992). Dir. Bernard Rose.
A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2, (1985). Dir. Jack Sholder.
A course pack will also be provided containing articles and reviews on each film and supplementary texts on literary theory.

Supplementary Texts:
Benshoff, Harry M., Jancovich, Mark and Eric Schaefer. Monsters in the Closet. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2004. Print.
Grant, Barry Keith. The Dread of Difference. Austin: University of Texas Press, 2015. Print.
Hutchings, Peter. The Horror Film. London: Routledge, 2004. Print.
Jancovich, Mark. Horror: The Film Reader. London: Routledge, 2002. Print.
Stam, Robert and Toby Miller. Film Theory: An Introduction. Oxford: Blackwell, 2000. Print.

Required Texts:
Barry, Peter. Beginning Theory: An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory. 4th Edition. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2009.
Us, (2019). Dir. Jordan Peele.
Hereditary, (2018). Dir. Ari Aster.
The Witch: A New England Folktale, (2015). Dir. Dave Eggars.
The Cabin in the Woods, (2011). Dir. Drew Goddard.
Candyman, (1992). Dir. Bernard Rose.
A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2, (1985). Dir. Jack Sholder.
A course pack will also be provided containing articles and reviews on each film and supplementary texts on literary theory.

Supplementary Texts:
Benshoff, Harry M., Jancovich, Mark and Eric Schaefer. Monsters in the Closet. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2004. Print.
Grant, Barry Keith. The Dread of Difference. Austin: University of Texas Press, 2015. Print.
Hutchings, Peter. The Horror Film. London: Routledge, 2004. Print.
Jancovich, Mark. Horror: The Film Reader. London: Routledge, 2002. Print.
Stam, Robert and Toby Miller. Film Theory: An Introduction. Oxford: Blackwell, 2000. Print.