Dual Credit Humanities, taught by Professor Andrew Mccorkle, is not the ordinary lecture and exam class. Humanities deep dives into the 1980s and explores how teenagers’ lives were impacted by the world around them during that time. During the month of October, students focused on Slasher films and how they have transformed teenage culture.
With a tight time frame of only 6 days, Humanities students were tasked with creating the ultimate Slasher film. Mccorkle gave the students vague instructions so they could fully use their imagination and express their individuality. Students were directed to develop a plot, cast the characters, come up with creative kills, and prove their film could make it in the theaters. In addition, they presented their films to the class, the other students acting as the judges.
“This project is really special because it forces students to question what they see in the mirror,” Mccorkle said. “They get to learn what these movies say about ourselves and our society.”
Presentations took two days to complete. The groups all made this project their own, seeing a vision and creating a product, while having fun during the process. Not only did the students have to present their project, but they also had to act out their film. The presenters made it their mission to make the audience laugh, gasp, and scream.
“I have never done a project like this before,” senior Mackenzie Bennett said. “It was a really interesting way to do a presentation.”
The 1980s was the golden age for Slasher films. During the 80s, these films were the key to teenagers’ lives. The students had to analyze why a genre of movie that brutally murders teenagers is so popular and generates so much wealth.
“It really makes all of us think about if there is a longing to act violently in certain situations inside ourselves,” Mccorkle said. “These movies make us look inside of the mirror and think about what we really see.”
The most extraordinary part of the films was the creativity of the kills. Teenagers had their heads decapitated by lockers, being burned by acid, betrayed by their best friend, and more. Not only was this project fun, but it made students step out of their comfort zone.
“This project was very hands-on,” senior Madilynn Reilly said. “Much different than writing an essay.”
