The power of horror lies in its ability to evoke strong visceral and emotional responses, provoke thought and introspection, and offer a lens through which to examine the darker aspects of human existence. Spanning from early mythology through 18th and 19th-century Gothic literature to the diverse tapestry of contemporary horror fiction, the genre continues to captivate and resonate with audiences worldwide. In this class, we will explore a variety of genres—e.g., novels, graphic novels, plays, short stories, and film—to engage with the complexity of horror. By drawing on feminism, postcolonial studies, queer theory, and other critical frameworks, we will analyse how horror serves as a mirror to sociocultural fears and anxieties surrounding gender and sexuality, race, disability, ecological consciousness, technological advancements, and more.
Please note that this seminar will explore themes and content related to horror fiction, which may include depictions of violence, gore, psychological distress, and sensitive topics. We will discuss content warnings and everything else in our preliminary session to the seminar.
- Lehrende/r: Svea Türlings