School of horrors
J-Term class on Twilight author examines the monster phenomenon and its impact on popular culture.
Sara Shellenbarger
Issue date: 1/26/10 Section: News
In addition to millions of impressionable pre-teens and their mothers, a group of Hamline students are reading a selection of Twilight author Stephenie Meyer's novels this January. English professor Marcela Kostihova is teaching the class for the first time, which focuses specifically on Meyer's books.
Kostihova said she felt the topic of the class was important because of its popularity, and said she felt a critical reflection of the work was necessary.
Because of this, there is an added emphasis on exploring the books within the context of contemporary popular culture in addition to a study of the books themselves.
Students in the class signed up for different reasons - some to secure an English credit and some to delve into a favorite series.
Others wanted to "see what all the fuss was" surrounding the books, which is the reason sophomore Matt Peterson, who had never read Meyer's books nor seen the movies, took the class.
"I really enjoy Marcela Kostihova. […] I know her classes are excellent," Peterson also said of his reasons for taking the class.
In the class, students read Twilight, Breaking Dawn and The Host (adult science fiction, not part of the Twilight series) and watch the film versions of Twilight and New Moon. They also are required to create blogs as part of a final project to explore topics like vampire fiction, young adult fiction, science fiction, Twilight fan websites, vampire parodies, Twilight merchandise and popular resistence to the series.
"[I hope] that we are all going to have a better understanding of how this particular area of popular culture works and how popular culture literature intersects with social issues and politics," Kostihova said.
Peterson said as a result of the class, he's becoming more familiar with vampire fiction and young adult fiction, and is also learning about what their popularity can say about our culture.
As for exploring the roots of why the books have become so popular, Kostihova said she thought that was something the class is trying to grapple with right now.
Sophomore April Kosuge said she believed it was because the main character is so relatable.
"There's something about [the books]. I know they're poorly written," Kosuge said.
"I think it's just a combination of everything […] there's this guy that's beyond extraordinary, but it's from the perspective of a girl that's quite ordinary. […] It's easy to put yourself in her position," she said.
While the class urges students to be critical of the books and aware of their context in pop culture, a few seem conflicted with their own feelings toward the books.
"I like it and I don't at the same time," said Michael Riley, a sophomore in the class.
Senior Matt Wallace spoke of his new-found interest in the series. He said he was intrigued by what the books "get away with" and by how much it's loved by its fans.
"I guess I'm a huge fan of Twilight now. This class sort of sucks you in," Wallace said.
Kostihova said she'll be teaching "Studies in a Single Author: Meyer in U.S. Pop Culture" again in June, since the J-Term class filled quickly.
Kostihova said she felt the topic of the class was important because of its popularity, and said she felt a critical reflection of the work was necessary.
Because of this, there is an added emphasis on exploring the books within the context of contemporary popular culture in addition to a study of the books themselves.
Students in the class signed up for different reasons - some to secure an English credit and some to delve into a favorite series.
Others wanted to "see what all the fuss was" surrounding the books, which is the reason sophomore Matt Peterson, who had never read Meyer's books nor seen the movies, took the class.
"I really enjoy Marcela Kostihova. […] I know her classes are excellent," Peterson also said of his reasons for taking the class.
In the class, students read Twilight, Breaking Dawn and The Host (adult science fiction, not part of the Twilight series) and watch the film versions of Twilight and New Moon. They also are required to create blogs as part of a final project to explore topics like vampire fiction, young adult fiction, science fiction, Twilight fan websites, vampire parodies, Twilight merchandise and popular resistence to the series.
"[I hope] that we are all going to have a better understanding of how this particular area of popular culture works and how popular culture literature intersects with social issues and politics," Kostihova said.
Peterson said as a result of the class, he's becoming more familiar with vampire fiction and young adult fiction, and is also learning about what their popularity can say about our culture.
As for exploring the roots of why the books have become so popular, Kostihova said she thought that was something the class is trying to grapple with right now.
Sophomore April Kosuge said she believed it was because the main character is so relatable.
"There's something about [the books]. I know they're poorly written," Kosuge said.
"I think it's just a combination of everything […] there's this guy that's beyond extraordinary, but it's from the perspective of a girl that's quite ordinary. […] It's easy to put yourself in her position," she said.
While the class urges students to be critical of the books and aware of their context in pop culture, a few seem conflicted with their own feelings toward the books.
"I like it and I don't at the same time," said Michael Riley, a sophomore in the class.
Senior Matt Wallace spoke of his new-found interest in the series. He said he was intrigued by what the books "get away with" and by how much it's loved by its fans.
"I guess I'm a huge fan of Twilight now. This class sort of sucks you in," Wallace said.
Kostihova said she'll be teaching "Studies in a Single Author: Meyer in U.S. Pop Culture" again in June, since the J-Term class filled quickly.
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