English 44 - Summer Sessions II, 2020

Introductory Topics in Fiction

Topic: Victorian Monsters in Pop Culture

 

Class Information

Instructor: Peterson, Lauren
CRN: 74038
 

Description

In this course, we will study a selection of Victorian monster tales while also analyzing their recent adaptations to understand why these monsters continue to haunt us today. We will read original Victorian stories of vampires, werewolves, and other monstrous figures, and then watch, read, and/or listen to contemporary portrayals, including graphic novels. These stories will include The Hound of the Baskervilles and its recent Sherlock Holmes adaptations, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (whose transformation might remind us of The Incredible Hulk from Marvel Comics), and excerpts from vampire fiction, especially Dracula and its many iterations. We will also discuss the recent increase of shows and films that place many of these characters together, such as Carnival Row, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Penny Dreadful, and even the recent film adaption of The Invisible Man. All of your reading, viewing, and audio material will be provided on Canvas as pdfs and links.