ENGH 202: Texts and Contexts

ENGH 202-006: Vampires
(Spring 2016)

01:30 PM to 02:45 PM TR

Planetary Hall 122

Section Information for Spring 2016

No matter how many times we've seen them get staked through the heart, fried by the sun, or turned into a pile of ashes, we know that vampires never quite die.  These undead creatures have proven to be amazingly persistent: they return, again and again, to haunt and invade us, to lure and transform us.  Why are vampire legends so compelling?  What accounts for their staying power?  What does it say about us that we can't get enough of restless, predatory shape-shifters who sleep in their coffins during the day and rise up to drink the blood of the living at night?

To think about these and other questions, we'll study vampire legends, looking particularly at how they both change and stay the same from the 1890s until today.  We'll examine novels and short stories, and out discussions will range from classics (Dracula, Carmilla) to new versions and transformations of more traditional vampire legends (but NOT Twilight).  This class will be a viewing and discussing clips (rather than full movies).

In addition to the reading assignments, course requirements include class discussion, two short essays, in-class writings, reading quizzes, a presentation, and a final project in which students create their own vampire stories.

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Studies literary texts within the framework of culture. Examines texts within such categories as history, gender, sexuality, religion, race, class, and nation. Notes: Builds on reading and writing skills taught in ENGH 101. May be repeated within the term.
Mason Core: Literature
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: 3 credits of 100-level English.
Schedule Type: Lec/Sem #1, Lec/Sem #2, Lec/Sem #3, Lec/Sem #4, Lec/Sem #5, Lec/Sem #6, Lec/Sem #7, Lec/Sem #8, Lec/Sem #9, Lecture, Sem/Lec #10, Sem/Lec #11, Sem/Lec #12, Sem/Lec #13, Sem/Lec #14, Sem/Lec #15, Sem/Lec #16, Sem/Lec #17, Sem/Lec #18
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

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