A blind detective from Arkham. A demonic creature that has possession of his eyes. A vast web of terror involving strange cult leaders, elusive serial killers, and ancient gods. In Malevolent, Arthur Lester journeys across 1930s America and the mysterious Dream Lands with his inseparable companion. Written and voice acted by Harlan Guthrie, this cosmic horror audio drama podcast is an immersive experience that pulls its listener in with mystery, fear, and the intense relationship between Arthur Lester and the voice inside his head.

In this course, we will be examining the audio drama podcast Malevolent alongside the cosmic and gothic horror literature that inspired it, including works by Edgar Allen Poe, H.P. Lovecraft, Ambrose Bierce, and Robert W. Chambers. We will also examine the audio drama genre, and how it has been used to generate science fiction and horror media from radio theater in the 1920s to podcasts today. Finally, we will be using Malevolent to examine social issues like disability, mental illness, sexuality, and grief, and how they have been simultaneously demonized and aestheticized in horror literature.

Course Requirements and Grading:
Attendance and Participation: 20%
Writing Assignments: 30%
Quizzes: 20%
Final Paper: 30%

Please fill out this application form if you are interested in enrolling in this course: https://forms.gle/9bVokaWZYWeYXPFP9