This course uses psychology to explore the inspirations behind popular horror movies, and why so many people enjoy being scared as a form of entertainment! Throughout the semester topics of discussion will include; psychological disorders represented in horror and their accuracy, universal human fears such as mortality and the unknown, the use of horror as a reflection of current cultural and political climates, and the evolution of folklore stories into the commonly used and widely known horror movie monsters.
Students will engage in reading articles and book chapters to inform their theoretical knowledge and use social and psychological theories to examine movies to gain insight into the horror genre. Students can expect to develop strategies for long term academic success through engaging in classroom and group discussions, strengthen their written and oral communication skills through in class activities and homework assignments, and explore their personal connection to Illinois College values through reflection journals.
