Topic 1: Far from existing solely as a means of escaping reality, it is without question that the horror film may also operate as both a reflection, and commentary upon, very real social and political conditions or tensions. In a well-developed essay, being sure to focus on key scenes and to discuss elements of filmmaking, explore a specific horror film, horror film franchise, or sub-genre of horror film and its relationship to a specific category of identity, philosophical problem, or social/political issue. Some possible areas of discussion for this topic might include:
• Nineties “Race Horror” and the Failures/Successes of Multiculturalism or Affirmative Action
• Gender/Sexuality in the Slasher Film- scream franchise
