Digital Monsters
a study of online monstrosity
Description
In this class, we dive deep into the world of digital monsters. We see how the online world is full of mythology and folklore. We learn about how storytelling exists online, and what monstrosity can teach us about ourselves and the world around us. If you're interested in finding out more about what the digital environment has to teach us, and harbour a love for monsters, then this is a class for you.
We not only explore what monsters may mean, but dive into separate case studies of digital monsters, such as the Rake, the Slender Man and the Momo Challenge. What do these monsters teach us about the world around us, and what can learn about ourselves? Using anthropology as a backing, we explore the world of the online monster.
In this course we will explore:
Storytelling On and Off-line
an introduction to mythology and folklore
what contemporary mythology looks like
how memes are folklore and mythology
Monsters
we explore the concept of a monster
we explore the idea of Monster Theory
see how monsters are real
Digital Monsters
how monsters play with belief
how monsters are formed through mass communal storytelling
the story of the Rake
see monsters as Tulpas
the story of the Slender Man
The Internet as Monster
how the internet mimics the wilderness of old folklore
the story of Ben Drowned
how the virtual is itself a monster
the story of Momo
What You Will Learn!
- The importance of monsters
- How to analyse monsters and the monstrous
- An understanding of mythology and storytelling
- Seeing online storytelling as mythology and folklore
Who Should Attend!
- People who want to learn more about how monsters are formed, and what they have to tell us