Communication 397RP - ST-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.

Open to Senior, Junior and Sophomore Communication majors only.