SCHC 485 H01 23777

Humanities, BeyondClRoom, AIU

Notes:

Since the 1960s, horror films have popularized provocative images of female monstrosity that, more often than not, present female sexuality and reproductive biology as grotesque, excessive, and/or dangerous. Unsurprisingly, most iconic cinematic female monsters are creations of male writers and directors. In the wake of fourth-wave feminism, however, a significant number of female directors have revolutionized the horror genre by presenting more complex depictions of both the monstrous feminine and female horror heroines. This proseminar will revisit classic male-gaze depictions of the monstrous feminine while also showcasing the diversity and richness of recent horror films by women directors like Jennifer Kent (The Babadook, 2014), Ana Lily Amirpour (A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night, 2014) Lucile Hadžihaliloviæ (Evolution, 2015), and Stewart Thorndike (Lyle, 2014). This is a service-learning course in which students will collaborate with the nonprofit Nickelodeon Theatre on a film series. Students will showcase cutting-edge horror films by women directors, market their event, organize panel discussions at the screenings, and engage with local organizations that promote gender equality.