This semester we will explore the topic of "monster" by focusing on two of the most fascinating and obsessed species, namely, vampires and zombies. We will first discuss the concept of "monster" through the gothic tradition and then proceed to its cultural significance both as a concept that challenges the dominant cultural values AND as a cultural commodity that is easily subsumed under the logic of late capitalism. The first part of the course will center on "vampires" whereas the second half will put more emphasis on "zombie." It is the instructor's intention to relate these two popular monsters to contemporary cultural milieu and tease out their cultural significance respectively.