Dark Reflections: A Scholarly Series on Horror, Folklore, Death, and the Macabre
October 28 - November 1, 2024: Delve into the shadows of human imagination and cultural fears with our captivating scholarly series
This thought-provoking event series brings together experts from various fields to explore the fascinating intersections of horror, folklore, death, and the macabre in literature, media, and society.
"Dark Reflections" offers a unique blend of academic insight and thrilling exploration into the darker corners of human culture and imagination. Recordings from the virtual events are linked below.
Past Events
Explore how supernatural, sci-fi, and horror TV tap into religious themes to reveal deeper insights about culture, fears, and our darkest hopes in the streaming era. Presented by Dr. Ruth DeFoster (Hubbard School of Journalism & Mass Communication). Virtual event.
Explore why humans love to scare themselves with ghosts, monsters, zombies, and more through Halloween haunted houses, cryptid tourism, legend trips, and other eerie traditions. Presented by Dr. Peter Harle (Art History). Virtual event.
Experience the terror of classic literature like never before! We’ve prepared for you an evening of dramatic readings from iconic horror tales sure to send shivers down your spine. Presented by the Department of English. In-person event held at historic Pillsbury Hall.
Explore the historical roots of our fear of premature burial, linking it to the rise of cremation and the enduring popularity of Bram Stoker's "Dracula." Presented by Dr. Ann Tandy (English). Virtual event.