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.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
Students will be able to:
- K_W02 - Understand key terminology, well established methods and theories within monster studies and cultural studies
- K_W04 - Describe the relation between monsters and historical and cultural processes on an advanced level
- K_W07 - Explain principles of designing cultural studies with special focus on selecting appropriate methods and tools in formulating research questions in the field of monster studies and history of culture
- K_W09 - Identify on an advanced level the multiplicity of styles in culture, including their complexity, cultural codes, as well as structural and institutional background of culture
Abilities
Students will be able to:
- K_U01 - Employ the terminology and methodological tools from monstrous studies and culture studies
- K_U03 - Analyze musical and cultural phenomena within British and European culture and draw generalizations on their basis with respect to the social, historical and economic context
- K_U04 - Implement knowledge to describe a problem and identify means to solve it, thereby completing a project in monster studies and cultural studies
- K_U07 - Employ modern technology for the sake of obtaining information and using various communication channels and techniques
- K_U08 - Plan and organize working alone and in a team to attain goals
Social competences
Students will be ready to:
- K_K02 - Undertake life-long learning and personal development, applying skills and competences to select subjects and projects optimally suiting one’s personal interests in the realm of monster studies and history of culture
- K_K04 - Apply the skills to critically assess film content and to think and act independently in various social situations
- K_K05 - Function effectively in social and cultural interactions, through various forms and media, thanks to the ability to express oneself in a cohesive and lucid manner (e.g., through a written text or a debate/discussion)
- K_K06 - Value cultural heritage and cultural diversity as they are exemplified in traditional and contemporary culture
Education at language level B2+
Assessment criteria
- Attendance and class participation/being active
- Students’ presentations
- Final essay
3 absences are allowed.
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)
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: