HU 266 - Horror Cinema
Description
This course provides a comprehensive examination of global horror cinema, from the genre’s inception to the present day. Through screenings, lectures, discussions, and readings, students will explore and interpret horror films in their various subgenres with an eye to answering the following questions: What makes horror “work”? What frightens us and why? How and why have horror films been controversial over the decades? Is there a case for horror being psychologically beneficial for the audience? How have different cultures around the globe expressed horror? How do horror films reflect and respond to cultural anxieties? What are some of the possible pre-cinema, literary antecedents of horror?
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 3
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: None
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: No Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: Yes
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
General Education Requirement:
Humanities
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
3. Critical Thinking: Gather and synthesize relevant information, evaluate alternative perspectives, or understand disciplinary strategies of creating knowledge., 4. Cultural Competence: Understand diverse interpersonal and cultural perspectives through analysis of scholarly or creative works.
Course Learning Outcomes:
1. Evaluate horror films from early history to the present in order to understand the world and oneself from different points of view. (GELO 3)
2. Through the use of primary source analysis and visual narratives, think critically about social and cultural issues present in the study of horror film. (GELO 3)
3. Identify the ways in which horror films have represented humanity across cultures, time periods, and demographics. (GELO 4)
4. Use vocabulary appropriate to the various sub-genres of horror. (GELO 3)
5. Appreciate the diversity and complexities of our global society and demonstrate the ability to be more open-minded towards all people. (GELO 4)
6. Utilize various methods and forms of criticism discussed in the study of the genre of horror and its sub-genres. (GELO 3)
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the foundations of the art of film making and film appreciation. (GELO 4)
8. Compare and contrast various societal ideologies, morals, beliefs, and practices as portrayed in horror films. (GELO 4)
9. Analyze and discuss the interrelatedness of horror cinema to other arts such as literature, philosophy, religion, the performing arts, and the visual arts. (GELO 3)
10. Identify well-known actors, actresses, producers, writers, and directors. (GELO 4)
Course Outline:
COURSE SCHEDULE
WEEK 1
Topic: Introduction—History of Horror: What Frightens Us and Why?
Film: Assorted Short Horror Films, Clips
Assignment: None
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WEEK 2
Topic: Early European Horror
Film: Nosferatu (1922)
Assignment: Studying Horror Cinema, Introduction and Chapter 1
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WEEK 3
Topic: American Gothic Horror
Film: Frankenstein (1931)
Assignment: Studying Horror Cinema, Chapter 2
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WEEK 4
Topic: In the Realm of the Fantastic
Film: Cat People (1942)
Assignment: Studying Horror Cinema, Chapter 3
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WEEK 5
Topic: English Gothic/Folk Horror
Film: The Wicker Man (1973)
Assignment: Studying Horror Cinema, Chapter 4
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WEEK 6
Topic: The Birth of Modern Horror
Film: Psycho (1960)
Assignment: Studying Horror Cinema, Chapter 5
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WEEK 7
Topic: Asian Horror
Film: Ringu (1998)
Assignment: Studying Horror Cinema, Chapter 6
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WEEK 8
Topic: American Independent Horror
Film: Evil Dead (1981)
Assignment: Studying Horror Cinema, Chapter 7
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WEEK 9
Topic: New Hollywood Horror
Film: Carrie (1976)
Assignment: Studying Horror Cinema, Chapter 8
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WEEK 10
Topic: The Slasher Film
Film: Halloween (1978)
Assignment: Studying Horror Cinema, Chapter 9
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WEEK 11
Topic: Body Horror
Film: The Thing (1982)
Assignment: Studying Horror Cinema, Chapter 10
*COURSE PROJECTS DUE THIS WEEK
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WEEK 12
Topic: Postmodern Horror/Comedy Horror/Zombie Horror
Film: Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Assignment: Studying Horror Cinema, Chapter 11
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WEEK 13
Topic: Modern Day Vampires
Film: Afflicted (2013)
Assignment: Studying Horror Cinema, Chapter 12
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WEEK 14
Topic: “Mainstream” Horror
Film: The Babadook (2014)
Assignment: Studying Horror Cinema, Chapter 13
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FINAL EXAM: Tuesday of Exam Week, 1-4 p.m.
Approved for Online and Hybrid Delivery?:
No
Instructional Strategies:
Lecture: 50%
In-class Viewing: 25%
Class Discussion: 25%
Mandatory Course Components:
Students will be responsible for:
1. Weekly online reading quizzes
2. In-class, essay-based, midterm and final exams
3. Faithful attendance (allowed one miss before losing course points)
4. Forum responses to prompts for each film
5. Personal analysis project on a horror film of their choice
Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: None
Course-Specific Placement Test:
Course Aligned with ARW/IRW Pairing: ARW 100
Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:
Online reading quizzes, attendance/participation, graded forum reponses, midterm and final exams, personal project
GRCC Course Type:
General Education: Meets the specific criteria for a GRCC Distribution Requirement. The course should be designated by the requirement it fulfills.
Course Format:
Lecture - 1:1
Total Lecture Hours Per Week: 3
People Soft Course ID Number: 105465
Course CIP Code: 24.0103
Maximum Course Enrollment: 30
General Room Request: Film Viewing RoomCourse Software Utilized: None
School: School of Liberal Arts
Department: Language & Thought
Discipline: HU
First Term Valid: Fall 2026 (8/1/2026)
1st Catalog Year: 2026-2027
Name of Course Author:
Jeffrey Winkle
Faculty Credential Requirements:
Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details:
None
Course Review & Revision Year: 2030-2031
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