ENGH 414: Folklore and the Supernatural

ENGH 414-001: Folklore and the Supernatural
(Fall 2026)

01:30 PM to 02:45 PM MW

Aquia Building 213

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Section Information for Fall 2026

This course attempts to chart the uncanny—the inexplicable, the numinous, the spiritual—in our everyday lives. We’ll think about ghosts, spirits, hauntings, visions, communion with the dead, monsters, encounters with the divine, UFOs, dream interpretation, magic, and more, not with the object of proving or disproving their existence or veracity, but rather to understand people’s lived experiences and how individuals attempt to make sense of the uncanny around
them.

Tags:

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Examines the role of supernatural phenomena in individuals’ everyday lives. Introduces folkloristic approaches to the study of belief, paranormal experiences, and popular spirituality. Topics may include ghosts, spirit possession, superstitions, visions, near death experiences, dream interpretation, magic, the commodification of belief, and the supernatural and new media. Offered by English. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: Satisfaction of University requirements in 100-level English and in Mason Core literature.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.