ENCW 241 - Scary Stories

CR: 3
What makes scary stories scary? What are the genre’s rules, and how can a writer participate in this rich tradition while avoiding the pitfalls of formulaic fiction? Close readings and discussions of stories by familiar names-Stephen King, Shirley Jackson-as well as terrifying upstarts-Aimee Bender, Ron A. Austen, Stephen Graham Jones-will throw into confusion the false binary between “genre” and “literary” and help us examine how the fundamentals of fiction-characterization, conflict, setting, point of view, and voice-mutate when subjected to unspeakable horror. Periodic explorations of films like Werner Herzog’s Nosferatu and Jordan Peele’s Nope will put page-based pleasures into conversation with those glimpsed on the screen. Students will complete both creative and analytical assignments. Taught in alternate years. Meets CORE 150 requirement.