In this session, students will learn all about the long history of the vampire, from its roots in 18th century Eastern European folklore through the literary tradition of the 19th century, and into the visual arts of the 20th and 21st centuries. From Dracula to Twilight and beyond, this session will explore the myth and the metaphor of the vampire.

Megan Bryan, PhD, was born and raised in Germany, and received her university education, including her doctorate, from the University of York in the UK. She wrote her thesis on 19th century vampire literature, which has been an obsession of hers ever since watching "Horror of Dracula" at 15 years old. She has written five novels, as well as numerous essays, articles, and short stories on Victorians, villains, and vampires, and enjoys lecturing on these topics.