Every field of human knowledge and expertise works with its own set of core concepts, often expressed shorthand in a single word. Monstrification, the abject, the uncanny, catharsis—these are just some of the keywords we’ll encounter early this semester.

These keywords aren’t mere vocabulary words. They are dense condensations of experiences, arguments, theories, and questions. You cannot simply look up a keyword in a dictionary. The dictionary will provide only a shallow definition, disconnected from the way the word is actually used in the arts and humanities. Rather, keywords are tools that you use, and you discover their meaning and power through studying how others use the tools, and then trying to use the tools yourself.

Running Keyword List

• monstrification
• abjection
• gothic
• the sublime
• eerie
• robot
• epidermalization
• dramaturgy

Keyword Log

Over the course of the semester we will draw your attention to specific keywords in the texts we read and in our classroom discussions. You may also begin to notice keywords on your own, individual words that are doing far more work than they initially appear to.

Begin keeping a running log of these keywords, using a dedicated space in your journal. For each word:

• Record the term, who used it and in what text and context
• Several direct quotations from a text that show the keyword in use
• A thumbnail sketch of the keyword’s meaning and value, paraphrased in your own words
• Questions you have about the keyword and its use
• Some thoughts about how the keyword might have connections to other keywords (this will become both easier and more difficult as your keyword log grows longer!)

Keyword Review

Twice this semester we will have in-class keyword reviews. These are closed-book situations in sections, in which you will choose from a list of possible keywords we provide. For each keyword, you will:

• Identity who uses the term and in what context
• Propose a working definition of the keyword
• Recreate or paraphrase a key quotation from a reading or lecture that shows the keyword in context
• Discuss what work the keyword does. Why is it useful?
• Briefly demonstrate your understanding of the term by applying it to a text or context we have not covered in class.

You’ll need to bring a green book and your favorite pen(s) to class. Green books are free and are available from both the college bookstore and Commons Market.

Keyword Revisions

You’ll receive feedback on your Keyword Reviews and revise accordingly. Your revisions will include more precise sourcing, including quoting directly from original sources, as well as more robust discussions of the work the keyword does. See the Keyword Revision Guide for what to work on.

Your revised keywords will be included in your digital wunderkammer at the end of the semester.