Gothic Monsters Next Door (FNDS 1305)

If the suburbs are supposedly “safer” than cities, then why do suburban homes have alarm systems and locks on their doors? 

This course traces how English and American Gothic writing casts others---particularly neighbors in both the country, suburbs, and cities---as monstrous threats to the control of one’s “Home.”  The villains of supernatural gothic stories frequently embody fears related to gender, race, and sexuality that threaten a community’s fictions of normalcy. We will particularly read gothic horror fiction to understand how fiction shapes the fears and anxieties about nationality and tries to reimagine “community” for its readers.

Readings may include Dracula, Carrie, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, and Linden Hills.

This course covers topics in the disciplines of English Literature, Gender Studies, Psychology, Fine Arts, Creative Writing.

Who should take this course?

Students who are interested in gothic writing and how the gothic became a commercially popular form of entertainment. Students interested in the social function of the imagination, literature, and the arts.

More about this course

Course number: FNDS 1305

Number of Credits: 4

Search UM-Dearborn Class Schedule to find out more.

Dearborn Discovery Core requirements met: Humanities and the Arts

Meet your faculty member: Erik Bond, Associate Professor of English Literature

One of the benefits of taking a Foundations course is gaining a faculty mentor that can support you throughout your college career. Get to know Erik Bond, faculty member for Gothic Monsters Next-Door.

Professor Bond is probably right now recovering from his performance as “Mr. Banks” in his daughter’s community theater production of Mary Poppins: the Musical. Before that role-of-his-life, he studied English literature in London, New York City (on 9/11), Philadelphia, and Detroit.  

In his spare time, he contemplates feelings of guilt for having any spare time while raising two daughters and Teddy (a “juggle”---Jack Russell-Pug-Beagle mix from the pound).  He is also currently securing a literary agent for his novel, Terminal Degree.

Have questions about this course? Email Dr. Bond at [email protected].