The Gothic Tradition
Course Tools
Course Description
Spooky. Creepy. Spine-tingling. Macabre. We all know it when we see it. But what does the word "Gothic" mean? Does it mean the same thing when applied to medieval architecture, eighteenth century novels, early twentieth century film or late twentieth century music? Ask five different people and you'll get five different, purely sujective answers. Consult five "authorities" and again, you will most likely come away with five very different descriptions. The term is widely used, and widely misused. Indeed, instability might be its only consistant defining characteristic.

What this course seeks to do, in part, is to explore some of the many definitions of the terms "gothic" and "goth" in relation to art, architechture, literature, film, music and popular culture, considering both what is defined and who is defining it. Questions of authority will be central to the course, both when considering what we read and view and when approaching the task of translating thoughts generated by those readings, viewings and class discussion into polished prose.

Since it will occupy much of your time this semester, you are activly encouraged to explore your own avenues of interest for the long research paper. To that end you will find on the Gothic Resources page links and suggestions for additional reading, viewing and listening. I will be soliciting suggestions for additions to these lists throughout the semester. If you know something - SHARE IT! If you come across something in the course of your research that may be potentially useful to others in the class, let us all know. As a group we will discuss paper topics in class after I have met with each of you individually. A list of paper topics will be posted on this site. To the greatest extent possibile, this should be a collaborative effort.

Gothic Resources
Research Resources
Schedule
Katherine Larsen
The George Washington University
University Writing Program
Office:Rome 568
Telephone:202 994 2336
E-mail: klarsen@gwu.edu
Office Hours: Monday/Wednesday 11:00-12:00 and by appointment.
Ann Brown
Reference & Instruction Librarian
The George Washington University
The Gelman Library
Telephone:202-994-1351
E-mail:agbrown@gwu.edu

Pages last updated September 13, 2004