ATS2202 · Monsters in popular culture

Overview

In this unit, you will examine monsters such as vampires, zombies and demons in text and on screen. Using a comparative lens, you will investigate how the figures of these fictional creatures have been continuously re-adapted in popular culture as a means of expressing, interrogating and critiquing pressing issues of the age. For example: the fear of disease and pandemics; racism, the legacies of colonialism and genocide, the limits of tolerance and the promotion of an inclusive society; the complexities of the migrant experience and relationships between the generations; and gender and sexuality. You will explore contemporary reinterpretations of monster legends across the world in a variety of media, including folklore, fiction, film, television, anime, graphic novels, and manga. The unit will focus on one monster each time it is offered.

Areas of study: Jewish studies (elective) Holocaust (elective) Film and screen studies (elective)

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Develop cultural literacy by critically and comparatively assessing diverse literary and screen expressions of the figure of the monster;
2. Critically analyse a range of popular culture to understand how the legend of the monster has evolved within diverse cultures and subcultures;
3. Critically evaluate and apply concepts and approaches from diverse disciplines in the Arts;
4. Communicate research effectively using critical writing skills.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.