Mondays (October 9, 2023 – January 29, 2024) | 8.00 – 9.30
Gronewaldstr. 2, Faculty of Human Sciences, Seminar Room 216 Sprachlabor 109, (1st floor)
In this seminar we will attempt to analyse negative representations of plants and the vegetative environment in very recent works of young adult fiction and film, focusing specifically on (1) representations of a vengeful flora in a time of climate crisis, (2) evil plant characters in fantasy and science fiction and (3) monstrous imaginations of parasitic and infectious plant life. Our discussion will be guided by the following questions: What is plant horror and what can it tell us about our human relationship with the natural world? Why are monstrous imaginations of the plant kingdom so appealing to many writers of young adult fiction? How does the metaphor of monstrous growth link teenage life with the life of plants? And why do teenagers need to read about plants today more urgently than ever before?
The main methods of teaching in this class will be plenary and group discussions, which is why preparing the course materials (primary and secondary texts!) will be crucial for the learning process.
Further information for students of the University of Cologne: Klips.