Communication 494PI - Horror and Public Culture

This course focuses on the concept of horror in contemporary public culture in the United States, reflecting on the nature of evil and human responsibility in the face of it. Topics for discussion include the rhetorical use of horror, the narrative creation of monstrosities, the responses to fear of the Other, the relationship between horror and terror, and the aesthetics of disturbing performances. Several weeks will be devoted to popular icons of monstrosity in order to examine the ethical and political ramifications of these metaphors lurking in contemporary culture. The major assignments include a portfolio encompassing the discipline of Communication and reflection upon ideas and methods from General Education. Satisfies the IE requirement for Comm majors. (No credit after Comm 397AM.)

Open to Senior and Junior Communication majors only. PreReq: COMM 125(197B) Students who have previously taken COMM 397AM should not enroll in this course.
This course serves as an Intergrative Experience(IE) for communication Undergraduates.