Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey

Searchable Course Catalog

header image

SPAN 0489

Making Monsters

Making Monsters: Global Visual Culture
In this course we will trace a cultural history of the monster, focusing on the construction of monstrosity as an imaginary concept based on cultural ideas regarding power and its manipulation, deformed and reproductive bodies, witchcraft, sexuality, race, the intelligence of female subjects, transgression of heteronormativity, masculine fears, fears of the other, and fears of the unknown and the powerful. Monsters also have a biopolitical dimension and can manipulate our lives. Using a global perspective (e.g. the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa), we will study monsters as depicted in science, art, cinema, and popular culture. We will emphasize feminist, decolonial and horror theories, as well as post- and transhumanism. Resources may include: Divine images, mythological and folklore figures, representation of the Native Americans during colonization, freaks, ‘degenerate’ art, industrial and nuclear accident monsters, vampires, zombies, and mutants. 3 hrs. sem.
Subject:
Spanish
Department:
Luso-Hispanic Studies
Division:
Languages
Requirements Fulfilled:
ART CMP LNG
Equivalent Courses:
GSFS 0489

Sections in Fall 2021, Hebrew MA DML Hybrid

Fall 2021

SPAN0489A-F21 Seminar (Saldarriaga)