Citizen 110 was one of the most entertaining and interesting classes I have ever taken.  The focus of my section was “Monsters vs. Society” in which we explored how certain monstrous characters or figures in literature and media are portrayed and interpreted by societies.  Class discussions included analysis of characters such as Frankenstein and his monster, the scientists researching the exotic and deadly Area X in Jeff Vandermeer’s novel Annihilation, and even the portrayal of zombies in film.  We were also treated to an in-person lesson with horror story author Elizabeth Massie.  While it was certainly a very stressful assignment, the panel discussions for the Fall 2019 Student Showcase was the highlight of the semester.  I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Below are my speaking notes for my presentation in the panel “Monsters or Mercy?”.  I discussed Brenda Spencer and the 1979 Grover Cleveland School Shooting.