Black American Horror: Aesthetics in Literature and Film

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

Considering the contemporary rise in the aesthetics of the genre of black horror, this course will explore literary and artistic horror(s) that black artists examine in America. We will work to study how black horror reminds us of the power of crafting narratives in America. We will be watching numerous horror films and shows and reading numerous literary authors. We will be reading and working with authors like: Toni Morrison, Richard Wright, Gwendolyn Brooks, James Baldwin, Octavia Butler, and many others. A close observation of this genre will allow us to question what constitutes horror and how is it connected to the humanities, law, and elements of science as well? This course is designed to help you build sound critical arguments and analysis by writing multiple genres of essays like a narrative essay, a close analysis essay, a podcast essay, and a final research essay.