HL 8028 - Monsters in Literature and Film - Course Outline

Aug 20, 2026

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HL 8028 introduces literary and cultural study of “monsters” from nineteenth-century Gothic writing through modernism and into postmodern and contemporary works. The course develops core practices of interpretation and analysis using close reading of literary and visual narratives, and it examines popular film and literary genres such as horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Study themes include historical and cultural contexts, and issues of race, gender, sexuality, disability, technology, and definitions of the human, with readings and films supported by supplementary poetry, music, and visual art. Assessment includes participation, group work, homework, and mid-term and final exams.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Course Description

Core Texts, Films, and Viewing Notes

Core Texts to Purchase

Core Texts to Read

Core Films to View

Film Screenings and Course Reserve

Assessment

Participation, Group Work, Homework

Mid-Term Exam

Final Exam

Exams and Disclaimer

Course Schedule

Weekly Reading and Viewing Plan

HL 8028: “Monsters in Literature and Film” “He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you.” —Friedrich Nietzsche, Beyond Good and Evil Instructor: Joshua Lam, PhD Email: [lam1jd@gmail.com](lam1jd@gmail.com) Meeting Time: Wednesdays, 2:30-5:30PM Meeting Place: HSS Auditorium Course Description This course will introduce you to the literary and cultural study of “monsters” in the modern era, from nineteenth-century gothic literature, through modernism, to the postmodern and contemporary period. The course will introduce you to basic practices of interpretation and analysis, as well as fundamental elements of popular genres in film and literature, including horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Using close reading of literary and visual narratives, our study of these texts will include attention to their historical and cultural backgrounds; to issues of race, gender, sexuality, and disability; and to technology and definitions ofthe human. The course will include fiction and film, as well as supplementary poetry, music, and visual art. Core Texts to Purchase (1): 1. Marjorie Liu & Sana Takeda, Monstress, Volume 1: Awakening (Image Comics, 2016) . ISBN: 1632157098 Core Texts to Read: All other required texts will be made available online (NTU Learn) . Additional supplementary material (not subject to examination) may be shown or distributed in class. Core Films to View: *Note: It is very important that you watch the correct version of each film. Most of these films have multiple adaptations, versions, and/or sequels. If you’re procuring or watching the films yourself, take care to acquire the right one! District 9 (dir. Neill Blomkamp, 2009) Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (dir. Kenneth Branagh, 1994) Bram Stoker’s Dracula (dir. Francis Ford Coppola, 1992) World War Z (dir. Marc Forster, 2013) Godzilla [Gojira](dir. Ishirō Honda, 1954) The Company of Wolves (dir. Neil Jordan, 1984) Alien (dir. Ridley Scott, 1979) The Thing (dir. Matthjis van Heijningen, Jr., 2011) Film Screenings If scheduling permits, I will hold screenings for the films outside of class. These will usually beheld shortly after class: for example, at 5:45pm, I may screen the film required for next week’s class. There will be no in-class film screenings. In other words, you are responsible for watching each of the required films on your own time, whether you’re able to attend film screenings or not. Each required film is on Course Reserve in the Business Library. You may view the films in that library, or reserve a room in the library to screen the film with friends and classmates. Assessment Participation, Group Work, Homework 10% Mid-Term Exam 40% Final Exam 50% Exams Please note that the mid-term exam will be taken in-class on Wed., February 24 . Barring extreme and extenuating circumstances, there will be no ‘re-take’ exams or extensions. If you are unable to attend this class, you must let me know well in advance and make other arrangements with me—this is your responsibility. Disclaimer Given the subject matter of this course, it should be no surprise that much of the required content will include violence, sex, horror, and things that are just plain gross. If you don’t think you can handle it, you may wish to consider a different course. COURSE SCHEDULE *Note: The required reading and viewing listed is due on the day it is listed. NB: I may occasionally make small adjustments to the syllabus, as I see fit. I will do my best to let you know about them beforehand—both in class and online (email or NTU Learn) . | Week | Date | Required Reading | Required Viewing | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | Aug 10 | Syllabus, Goals
Brothers Grimm,“Little Red Cap” | | | 2 | Aug 17 | Angela Carter,“The Werewolf”
Angela Carter,“The Company of Wolves” | The Company of Wolves (Jordan, 1984) | | 3

FAQs

What topics does HL 8028 cover regarding “monsters”?

The course covers monsters in the modern era across nineteenth-century Gothic literature, modernism, and postmodern/contemporary periods, using horror, science fiction, and fantasy in both film and literature.

How are required films handled outside class?

There are no in-class film screenings; students are responsible for viewing required films on their own time using Course Reserve in the Business Library.

What is the grading breakdown for HL 8028?

Participation, group work, and homework account for 10%, the mid-term exam for 40%, and the final exam for 50%.

Aug 20, 2026

Upload by Mali