Analysing Horror
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Horror has one of the most committed fan bases in the world.
This module introduces students to the significant and evolving media genre across film, television, literature and digital culture.
Students will examine how horror creates emotional responses such as fear, suspense and disgust through narrative, imagery, sound and performance.
The module will also explore prevalent academic concepts related to the genre and different approaches to analysing horror media.
By exploring classic and contemporary texts, students will develop a critical understanding of horror’s enduring popularity and cultural relevance.
Learning and teaching
The module will be delivered as ten 2-hour sessions, initially on weekday evenings. Sessions will consist of a lecture, followed by class discussion and group work on specific topics relating to the module.
The discussion and group work will enable students to think critically and contribute to the debates and topics presented during the lectures.
The discussion-led sessions and the lectures themselves will be supplemented by internet resources available to students via Learning Central.
Coursework and assessment
Formative assessment/feedback will occur on a weekly basis through class discussion and group work.
Assignment 1 (Source analysis): 25% - Exact nature of the task will vary from year to year. 500 words. Week 5-6.
Assignment 2 (Essay): 75% - Exact nature of the task will vary from year to year. 1000 words. End of the module.
Reading suggestions
- Wheeler Winston Dixon, A History of Horror, 2nd edn (New Brunswick, NJ and London, 2023)
- Noella Gregorio Fernández and M. Méndez-García, Culture Wars and Horror Movies: Social Fears and Ideology in post-2010 US Horror Cinema (Cham, 2024)
- Julia Kristeva, Powers of Horror: An Essay on Abjection (New York, 2024)
Library and computing facilities
As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.
Accessibility
Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.
