Surviving the Horror Genre

Reader beware, you're in for a scare.

In this class, we will confront our fears and dive headfirst into the horror genre, exploring topics and media ranging from short stories to full-length movies and more. The beginning of any great piece of horror fiction, whether it be a film, short story, video game, or novel, starts with great writing. In this class, we will focus on creative writing, crafting stories, world-building, editing and revising, plot development, and watching our main characters reap exactly what we've sown for them.

Together, we will learn what it takes to survive the horror genre. The question is: can you?

NOTE: This course is offered as a hybrid (at least 50% online).

Course Details

Prefix:

UCO

Course Number:

1200

Section Number(s) and Day/Times Taught:

112: MW 5:00pm- 6:15pm - hybrid

119: TR 5:00pm- 6:15pm - hybrid

Term:

Fall 2025

Categories:

The Arts

Instructor(s)

Dusty Roberts

Dusty Roberts is a two-time graduate of Appalachian State University, where he earned a BS in Outdoor Experiential Education and an MA in College Outdoor Programs Administration. After graduating, he taught in the Recreation Management Department and worked as a mountain guide for Rock Dimensions.

Currently, Dusty serves as a full-time Academic Advisor in University College and teaches First-Year Seminar. A lifelong fan of horror, he often cites R.L. Stine as his earliest writing influence. He picked up Welcome to Dead House at an elementary school book fair in the early '90s, sparking a lifelong obsession with all things spooky and macabre.

Above all else, he is an aspiring author, doting husband, and sleep-deprived father.