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True Blood is fashionable, not only in Bon Temps. In earlier times the Detective movie, the Western, Science Fiction, the War Movie or Horror had their golden ages. The last decades have definitely been in the grip of Vampire movies and serials. The meaning of the vampire can be interpreted in quite different ways: a metaphor for otherness, forbidden sexual attraction, homosexuality, the return of the past (and the repressed), transforming gender roles, class struggle, race conflict and much more. In this class we will explore the extent of allegorization and we will observe the change of the "medium" vampire over time. We will begin with a printed version: Bram Stoker's Dracula of 1897 (please read the book over the break, we will begin with it!). We will then move on to movies and take into account the visual language of vampirology. Movies discussed will be (among others): Dracula (1931), Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992), Interview with the Vampire (1994) and the TV serial True Blood (2008-) (please watch at least the first season during the break). Our main question will be whether the vampire is an "empty" form for various possible contents or a myth with a specific trajectory. Viewing/Reading: · Before the class starts in October, please immerse yourself a little bit in the serial True Blood (HBO). Also, as a preparation, read Bram Stoker's novel Dracula. · A reader with texts to be read for class will be available at "Sprintout", Georgenstraße, S-Bahn Bogen 190. Requirements: Students will prepare one session in a group with the instructor. MA students may also have to select a self-study topic. You have to register for this class in the e-learning platform Moodle. As a password use "Sukie". In Moodle you will find the syllabus for the class. |
