ART 231 - Horror and the Macabre in the Art Historical Context

Number of Credits: 3
Explore major works of horror and morbid symbolism in visual art, film, fashion, theatre, and literature from a variety of eras, cultures, and artists via a multidisciplinary lens. Focus will be placed on the analysis of cultural impact, exploration of human values, and technical and aesthetic construction of works. Emphasis is thus centered on students’ understanding of the historical, cultural, and contemporary contexts of macabre imagery with attention to critical, aesthetic, and practical aspects. (Fall & Spring) Three hours lecture each week. Three credits. Three billable hours.

GENERAL EDUCATION Category: Arts and Humanities

Pre-requisite(s): eligibility for ENGL 101
Course Topics:

Introduction to Horror and the Macabre
Folklore, Myths, and Monsters
Death, Mourning, and Funerary Practice
Depictions of War, Crime, and Trauma
Horror and Cultural Subtext in Cinema
Horror as Performance
New Directions in Horror and the Macabre

Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Use appropriate terminology related to art media, periods, and styles in both verbal discussion and written assignments. (PG2, PG3, PG4, GE1, GE3, GE6)
Identify key works of art, film, and artists relevant to the horror genre. (PG3, PG4, GE4, GE5)
Examine differing positions from which value judgments related to culture and history are made using college-level writing skills. (PG3, GE1, GE4, GE5, GE6, GE7, GE8)
Discuss the impact of visual art forms in the horror genre in formal college-level written and verbal analysis. (PG3, PG4, GE1, GE6, GE7, GE8)
Identify significant philosophical and historical movements, religious concepts, and relevant iconography associated with benchmark works of art. (PG2, PG4, GE1, GE6, GE7, GE8)