EGL 228 Classics and Mythology in Popular Culture

This course presents a cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary examination of the meaning and value of such myths as those of the creation, the flood, and the hero, and their depiction in literature, art, film, and music from the ancient past to the present. Students will acquire an understanding of the uses of mythical themes and archetypes both in ancient art and literature as well as in modern art, literature, and film. Course work includes assigned readings, film screenings, informal journals, a formal paper and exams. Prerequisite(s): EGL 102 with a grade of C or higher

EGL 240 Themes in Science Fiction in Film and Literature

An exploration of how writers of science fiction have used science and technology to examine moral questions, social issues and the boundaries of technology. Readings of selected authors will focus on the ways creative writers have explored various aspects of the genre, including scientific experimentation, alternate time/space continuum, weaponry, psychic phenomena, cyberspace, bionics, alien life and the future. The class will also view cinematic adaptations of the selected works to examine whether/how the change of medium affects the emphasis and impact of the work and how visualization and special effects affect the audience's perception. Course work includes assigned readings, film screenings, informal journals, and formal papers. Prerequisite(s): EGL 102 with a grade of C or higher

EGL 244 Classics of Supernatural Film and Literature

This course engages students in the principle forms of artistic expression integral to classic works of supernatural literature and their cinematic adaptations. Students will acquire an understanding of the creative process inherent in these works, an understanding of the literary and cinematic conventions of the genre and will also develop a critical vocabulary that will allow them to discuss and to evaluate these works and others in depth. Cinematic adaptations of these works in particular follow the evolution of the cinema itself; thus students in this course will also gain a critical understanding of its aesthetic and technological development. This course will also focus on film composition, including the shots, angles, iconography and editing typical of this genre. Course work includes assigned readings, informal and formal papers requiring primary and secondary research, critical analysis of required screenings, and exams. Students will be required to attend and to complete critical analyses of campus and off-campus theatrical screenings as they are scheduled. Note: Students cannot get credit for EGL 244 and 244W; EGL 244W can be used to fulfill the writing intensive requirement. Note: Offered at the discretion of the English Department Prerequisite(s): EGL 102 with a grade of C or higher

EGL 266 Fantasy in Literature and Film

Fantasy in Literature and Film examines not only the oldest literary genre but one that continues to fascinate readers old and young and to inspire some of the most innovative and technically sophisticated films. Works of fantasy overlap other genres: myth, fairy tales, epic sagas, tales of the grotesque, juvenilia, adventure stories, and some science fiction. However, fantasy is the study of what can never actually be real, that is, what we dream about or can only imagine. Readings include traditional works of fantasy from the earliest recorded texts as well as beloved children's and young adult "classics" of this genre. Film adaptations as well as original films in this genre will also be analyzed and critiqued. Prerequisite(s): EGL 102 with a grade of C or higher

POL 393 Politics and Popular Culture

This course examines the influence of popular culture on political identity within the United States and across the globe. The relationship between the U.S. entertainment industry and the political system will be explored, while the second half of the course will focus on the impact of global popular culture on international relations. Various forms of pop culture will be addressed, including but not limited to: film, television, music, video games, novels, comics, political cartoons, jokes, blogging, fads, and fashion. NOTE: Students cannot earn credit for POL 393 and POL 393*D POL 393*D can be used to fulfill the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice requirement. Prerequisite(s): Any 200-level or higher HIS, POL or GEO course.