Monsters: Why We Need Them | Ryan Ranch

Course Description:

From ancient mythology to modern films, monsters have long inhabited the darkest corners of our collective imagination. They embody our deepest fears, anxieties and irrational terrors, giving form to what we cannot or will not understand. For millennia, these creatures have helped us navigate the complexity of our minds, grapple with societal challenges and confront the chaos of human existence. In this course, we’ll explore how monsters have shaped our worldview, from early myths and medical lore to their modern portrayals in literature and film. Together, we’ll uncover how this monstrous menagerie continues to reflect our evolving place in nature and society.