Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey

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GSFS0489A-F21

Making Monsters
Please register via SPAN 0489A

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.
Course Reference Number (CRN):
92777
Subject Code:
GSFS
Course Number:
0489
Section Identifier:
A

Course

GSFS 0489

All Sections in Fall 2021

Fall 2021

GSFS0489A-F21 Seminar (Saldarriaga)