To Western English Professor Bruce Beasley and Western Geology Professor Thor Hansen, monsters are more than just mythical lore.  Whether they are found lurking in the depths of the cryptic ocean, sandwiched between pages of a horror novel or trampling major cities via a motion picture, we are surrounded by them.

Since 2003, the two have been collaboratively teaching a course on monsters in society during winter quarter. English 238 and Geology 204 are taught separately and have different themes and teachers throughout the year.  However, winter quarter is reserved for Beasley and Hansen’s monstrous duo.

Beasley teaches English 238, one half of the monsters course, which covers monsters from a literary perspective. The courseworkincludes novels in the likes of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” Grimm’s Fairy Tales such as “Hansel and Gretel,” and contemporary poems and novels including “Geek Love,” a story about a traveling family freak-show intentionally bred to the most hideous extremes possible.  Beasley also shows clips and discusses monster films including “Godzilla,” “Silence of the Lambs” and “Cloverfield.”

Hansen’s course, Geology 204, explores the geological and scientific aspects of fictional and real life monstrosities. Hansen assesses dinosaurs, current and extinct sea creatures and the physics and size of ancient beasts.  

The two professors assign the coursework based on what the other is teaching at the time.  During the Frankenstein unit, Beasley covers the novel and its metaphorical and literary significance while Hansen discusses genetic engineering, cloning, transplants and hybrid creatures.  

The cohesion between the two subjects gives students a complete synopsis of monsters in society.  Western senior Emily Kreidler, who is currently a student in the monsters course, said the subjects differ but have the same theme.  

“It’s pretty much an awesome class; one of my favorite classes at Western,” Kreidler said.  

Western sophomore Hana Boxberger is taking the course to satisfy her last science general university requirement. Boxberger said she has enjoyed watching and learning about different clips from Jurassic Park.  

Although Boxberger does not like scary subject matter, she said she enjoys specific monsters, such as the shark from “Jaws,” which Hansen covers in his sea creatures unit.

Hansen and Beasley have a serious history with monsters. Hansen teaches a geology class on dinosaurs and their environment while Beasley has published six collections of poems exploring monstrous themes.     

Beasley said he finds monsters fascinating because they break down the very nature of society.  

“They mix up all the categories that we use to make sense of things: living and dead, male and female, and reality and nightmare,” he said.

Beasley said he also learns a lot from Hansen’s teachings. Recently Hansen informed Beasley about a “bone-eating snot-flower,” which Beasley then wrote a poem about. His poem will be published in the contemporary poetry magazine Field this spring.  Reminiscing on the initial exploration of a monsters course, Hansen said, “We went bananas and immediately jumped on it.”  

Seven years later, it remains a favorite not only among students but for the teachers themselves. Beasley said he absolutely loves everything about it.

“It’s the highlight of our year,” Hansen said.

MONSTERS AND SOCIETY

As discussed in Beasley's English 238 course

Godzilla

Godzilla represents the atomic bombs the U.S. dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Godzilla, a mix between a gorilla and a whale, was created out of atomic radiation.

Cloverfield

One of the most direct ties to the Sept. 11 attacks, Cloverfield shows New York City getting demolished while depicting buildings that resemble the World Trade Center.

Hansel and Gretel

Deals with issues of child abandonment and sexual abuse by the father (more closely tied to the sinister, post-modern retelling titled “The Gingerbread House,” by Robert Coover).

Frankenstein

In current society, people can make connections between Dr. Frankenstein and “the pregnant man,” as they are both males that give life, or male mothers.

Hancock

One of the spates of “bad superhero” movies, Hancock represents the role of the U.S. and its misuse of power. It concerns the idea that we have lost our moral compass; we have great power but we don’t know how to properly use it.

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