Monsters. A Cultural History 3301-KB2424-1ST

The category of “monster” is a permanent but constantly evolving cultural phenomenon. Each mythology, folklore, literature and (more recently) filmography contains a set of creatures defined as alien, incomprehensible and potentially or really dangerous; creatures whose existence seems to violate the natural order of things and one’s sense of security. “Monstrosity” has been also traditionally used as a concept helpful in defining humanity.
The European view of monsters has been determined by ancient and medieval cultures that provided the collective imagination with centaurs, satyrs, mermaids, cyclops, dragons, giants, etc. The aim of the course is to survey main categories of monsters in the European and (mainly) British culture and the changing roles they have played in it. We will first have another look at selected well-known literary monsters (such as Grendel, Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster) and then we will analyze selected examples from contemporary popular culture, dominated by the monstrous triad: Vampire-Werewolf-Alien. The theoretical framework will be provided by monster studies, the recently developing field in the humanities.

Course coordinators

Paweł Rutkowski

Type of course

elective courses

Prerequisites (description)

The course intended for BA students. Three absences are allowed. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the classroom is governed by the rules set forth in Resolution No. 16 of the Teaching Council for the programs English Studies, English Studies – Linguistics, and English Studies – Literature and Culture of 9 December 2025 https://ia.uw.edu.pl/fileadmin/ilustracje/dokumenty/2026/RD_IA_2025_UCHWALA_nr16_narzedzia_AI_nowelizacja_ZAL2_EN.pdf AI use: Any and all use of AI must be reported. It is not permitted to use AI for graded assignments or final projects.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge
Students will have familiarity with:
K_W01 advanced terminology, theory and research methods corresponding to the state of the art within monster studies and cultural studies within the domain of English Studies
K_W08 concepts and principles concerning the protection of intellectual property and copyright

Abilities
Students will be able to:
K_U01 apply advanced terminology, theory and research methods corresponding to the state of the art in monster studies and cultural studies within the domain of English Studies
K_U08 apply the concepts and principles of intellectual property protection and copyright law

Social competences
Students will be ready to:
K_K01 critically appraise their knowledge and content obtained from various sources
K_K02 recognize the importance of knowledge in solving cognitive and practical problems; consult experts when required

*** PROGRAMME 2022/2023 ***

Knowledge
Students will be able to:
- understand key terminology, well established methods and theories in monster studies and cultural studies (K_W02)
- describe methodology and recent developments in cultural history studies (K_W03)
- list the characteristics of English grammar, syntax, phonology, phonetics, morphology and pragmatics on an advanced level (K_W05)
- explain principles of designing monster studies and cultural studies, with special focus on selecting appropriate methods and tools in formulating research questions (K_W07)

Abilities
Students will be able to:
- employ the terminology and methodological tools from culture studies (K_U01)
- employ the methodology of culture studies within English studies, respecting the ethical norms and copyright law (K_U02)
- implement knowledge to describe a problem and identify means to solve it, thereby completing a project in analysing a character (K_U04)
- design one’s own development (K_U11)

Social competences
Students will be ready to:
- undertake life-long learning and personal development, applying skills and competences to select subjects and projects within the course (K_K02)
- value responsibility for one’s own work and respect the work of others, adhering to the professional and ethical norms in various projects and other activities undertaken during the course (K_K03)

Education at language level B2+

Assessment criteria

- Attendance
- Students’ presentations
- Final essay

Bibliography

Asa Simon Mittman, Peter J. Dendle, The Ashgate Research Companion to Monsters and the Monstrous (2017)
Asa Simon Mittman, Marcus Hensel (eds), Classic Readings On Monster Theory. Demonstrare, Vol. 1 (2018)
Asa Simon Mittman, Marcus Hensel (eds), Primary Sources on Monsters. Demonstrare, Vol 2 (2018)
Jeffrey Andrew Weinstock (ed.), Ashgate Encyclopedia of Literary and Cinematic Monsters (2014)
Sorcha Ni Fhlainn (ed.), Dark Reflections, Monstrous Reflections - Essays on the Monster in Culture (2008)
Jana Byars, Hans Peter Broedel (eds.), Monsters and Borders in the Early Modern Imagination (2020)
Jeffrey Jerome Cohen (ed.), Monster Theory. Reading Culture (1996)
Lorraine Daston, Katherine Park, Wonders and the order of nature 1150-1750 (1998)
Rosemarie Garland Thomson (ed.), Freakery. Cultural Spectacles of the Extraordinary Body (1996)
Rudolf Wittkower “Marvels of the East. A Study in the History of Monsters”. Journal of the Warburg and Courtauld Institutes (1942)
Marlene Tromp (ed.), Victorian Freaks. The Social Context of Freakery in Britain (2008)
Robert Bogdan, Freak Show. Presenting Human Oddities for Amusement and Profit (1990)