Horror Films: Fears, Phobias and Fantasies (P4069E)

15 credits, Level 4

Spring teaching

On this module, you’ll examine the history and theory of the horror genre, focusing on influential films that have shaped its evolution and exploring key critical debates in the academic study of horror. You’ll explore the emergence of specific subgenres such as satanic horror and the slasher film, and the popularity of iconic ‘monsters’ like vampires, psychos, animals and aliens.

Topics include:

• the uncanny and the abject
• otherness and monstrosity
• gender and sexuality
• terror and pleasure. 

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 20 hours of contact time and about 130 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.