PETER GÖLZ HAS A
NEW PAIR OF TRICK VAMPIRE FANGS that his dentist
advises against wearing because the glue might
not un-stick from his real teeth. So the canines
sit displayed in a small plastic box—proud
additions to the vampirologist’s kitschy
collection of clothing and capes, books (scholarly
and not), DVDs, a lunchbox—all dedicated
to vampires.
Gothic ghouls have been, well,
in the professor’s blood since his doctoral
studies and the interest continues in his teaching
and research in the Germanic and Russian Studies
department. Gölz teaches a popular course
on cinematic and literary vampires and, in time
for Halloween, he’ll give a public talk
about the ways the image of vampires has evolved
from repulsive and rat-like to modern versions
that seem neither good nor evil.
The vampire myth has been around
for centuries and maintains current prominence
on TV and in theatres with Buffy the Vampire
Slayer and the Blade trilogy. “There isn’t
a figure that has occupied our imagination for
so long and in so many ways. That’s because,
I think, they’re our double, our dark side,” says
Gölz.
Academic interest in vampires
is thriving and includes a Norton Critical Edition
of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, which Gölz
considers the “academic stamp of approval.
Basically every literary theory could apply.” There’s
also an explanation of American cultural history
based on vampire movies called Our Vampires,
Ourselves. Current debate is focused on vampires
and the post-human condition. “If you think
of the classic vampire on film, the story was
often set in the historical past. Nowadays there
seems to be more interest in what will become
of us, what makes us really human…what
sets us apart?”
Seventy-five students signed
up the first year Gölz’s course was
on the calendar. This year, enrollment has grown
to 150 with another 25 on the waiting list. “The
feedback (from students) is incredible. Pop culture
has come a long way. If you take it seriously,
it’s just as fascinating as any other classical
text. There’s more to it than meets the
eye.”
Peter Gölz’s public
lecture, From Bald to Blonde: Vampires in the
20th Century, is on Oct. 29 at noon at UVic Downtown,
910 Government St. It’s offered free of
charge by the UVic Division of Continuing Studies.
Reserve a seat by calling (250) 472-4747.
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