When you go to the movies to see a horror film, you expect a few things: some jump scares, a tub of popcorn, and maybe a lingering nightmare or two. But thoughtful political commentary? That’s not always a guarantee.

Maybe it should be. A CAS Writing Program course, titled “Twenty-First Century Terrors,” looks at how recent horror movies, such as A Quiet Place and Hereditary, are full of political messages and allegories and explores the history of the genre as more thought-provoking than people may expect. Led by Lecturer George Vahamikos, who specializes in late medieval and early modern literature, the course aims to show students “the power for social and political critique” lingering in the shadows of these films.

You can read more about the course and hear from students in BU Today.

Photo Credit: Erik Witsoe on Unsplash