Supernatural Literature Explored

A class looking at horror literature will be offered for the fall semester at Casper College. Taught by English instructor Ben Lareau, “Literature of the Supernatural” (ENGL 2235 01) will take several approaches to horror as a genre.

“First off, there is the history of it – where and when it begins, the trends and changes within it, the conventions that come and go over time, etc. Then there’s the question of craft: how these stories are written and structured so that they are at least thrilling, if not genuinely fear inducing. A lot of this revolves around questions of why certain plot and language choices are made in particular stories or novels. Then finally there’s the question of horror as a kind of catharsis or relief. In other words, what is the appeal of such stories?” Lareau asked.

Books to be read in the class include Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” “Dracula” by Bram Stoker, “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson, “The Tommyknockers” by Stephen King, and “World War Z” by Max Brooks. “We’ll also be reading several short stories by Edgar Allan Poe, Arthur Machen, H. P. Lovecraft, Robert W. Chambers, Sheridan Le Fanu, Robert Aickman, and others,” said Lareau.

“Literature of the Supernatural” will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30-1:45 p.m. To register for this class, or for more information contact Casper College at 307-268-2100 or caspercollege.edu. The 2015 fall semester begins on Monday, August 24.