Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey

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INTD1044A-W12

Arachnophobia/Arachnophilia

Arachnophobia, Arachnophilia
Arachnids, including spiders, scorpions, tarantulas, and their relatives, elicit irrational reactions. For many people arachnids trigger fear, from simple unease to clinical arachnophobia. For others, arachnids evoke admiration and inspiration. Despite being repulsive subjects in innumerable stories and images, they are nonetheless frequently exalted in art, literature, and music. What explains this difference? We will examine these depictions of arachnids and why they elicit such divergent psychological responses. After introductions to their natural history and historical portrayals, student-selected presentations will focus on the role of arachnids in literature, poetry, mythology, music, film, and art, attempting to understand their duality.
Course Reference Number (CRN):
11266
Subject Code:
INTD
Course Number:
1044
Section Identifier:
A

Course

INTD 1044

All Sections in Winter 2012

Winter 2012

INTD1044A-W12 Lecture (Root)