SNRSCH3282 - ENG 3711: Dark Academia: Films of College Life

Course Description

Dark Academia is an emerging literary genre that resists prevailing notions of institutions of higher education as idyllic settings and, instead, depicts colleges and universities as eerie, gothic-like establishments. Readings take the form of coming-of-age novels, murder mysteries, and campus thrillers – all involving students in academic settings intensely devoted to romanticized pursuits of knowledge. Dark and twisty themes prevail: plots typically include secret societies, ancient rituals, and danger of all kinds. In this course we will examine films fall under this category and work together to figure out its remarkable and increasing popularity. Films to be screened include The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (a story about a charismatic instructor who manipulates students), Dead Poet’s Society (a film about an all-boys preparatory school steeped in ancient tradition), American Animals (an account of four university friends who plan to steal rare books from their library in an attempt to add some excitement to their lives), and The Social Network (a concerning tale about an intense academic environment and the students who belong to it). Readings will include Donna Tartt’s novel The Secret History, a definitive text of the genre, and a number of essays concerned with film aesthetics and campus settings. No prior experience with film studies necessary for this course, just an active interest in some sinister films about elite institutions.