EXP 1107 - Making a Monster

Credits: 3

Explorations Courses focus on enduring questions. Enduring questions do not have easy answers; instead, they encourage examination of complex issues from multiple perspectives, introspection, evidence-based arguments, and learning how to respectfully discuss controversial and difficult topics. This course examines our culture’s fascination with monsters. From a young age, most are familiar with some type of monster. Zombies, werewolves, vampires, ghosts, witches, and more supernatural creatures haunt our history and texts. What do these monsters say about certain groups of people? What do these monsters say about ourselves? This course will explore different categories of popular monsters in texts, including film and television, to understand how authors draw inspiration from socio-cultural influences in creating these characters and figures. In doing so, we will better understand the messages embedded within. We will ultimately challenge what it means for something - or someone - to be considered just that: monstrous. Students will also examine the Merrimack Connections curriculum.