Splash Biography

Do you think that the disturbed and twisted villains are the best part of movies? Are you interested in the mythology of creatures like vampires and zombies? In this class, we'll explore the psychological and cultural effect of monsters from the benign-looking psychopath to the crazed disfigured killer to the supernatural, soul-harvesting creature. Why are monsters so fascinatingly disturbing? We'll watch Hollywood villains like Norman Bates, the Joker, Two-Face, Mr. Hyde, and Dracula, discuss real-life monsters Ted Bundy and Josef Mengele, and examine the folklore of creatures like bloodsuckers and zombies. Ultimately, we'll explore whether normal people can be turned monstrous. Note: Since the class will emphasize why the image and character of monsters are frightening, minimal violence and gore will be shown.

A man with 24 distinct personalities. A woman convinced that her husband has been replaced with an identical impostor. A man requesting surgery to amputate a limb that he swears doesn't belong to him. By looking at psychological disorders such as multiple personalities, schizophrenia, and somatic delusions, we will explore just how subjective an individual's "reality" ultimately is. We will conclude that anyone could potentially develop unusual psychological perceptions that fundamentally influence "reality". No prior knowledge of psychology is necessary. Students will be given small reading assignments to stimulate discussion but there will be no writing homework or tests.