Have you ever wondered where phobias come from? Or why we fear certain things? Explore the science behind phobias and fears during Fright Week, Oct. 16 to 19, in the Rose and Mirror rooms. The week’s events are a collaboration between the Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice Department, the Criminal Justice Society, and the “American Horror Story” and “Last Week Tonight” First-Year Seminar courses.

Monday, Oct. 16

“Exploring Fears and Phobias” with Dr. Erica Fortune, assistant professor of Psychology, will explain the root causes of phobias and fears. 9:45 – 10:50 a.m.

“Fear of Race” with Dr. Doreen Loury, assistant professor of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, will discuss the nexus between fear and race. 1:30 – 2:35 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 17

“Buried Alive? Exploring the Consequences of Solitary Confinement” with Dr. Anne Mahar, assistant professor of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, and the “Last Week Tonight” class, explores the idea of being buried alive by being confined to a small space.  The class will display a solitary confinement cell they constructed for the presentation. 10:20 a.m. – noon.

“Solitary Nation: An Informal Conversation on America’s Prison Fascination” with Dr. Mahar will open a discussion about America’s sensationalization of prison through media. 2:10 – 3:50 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 18

“Urban Legends: Myths, Realities, & the Castle Ghosts of Arcadia” with Dr. Favian Guertin-Martín, assistant professor of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice; Emily Aron, president of the Student Veteran’s Organization; and June Thomquist, vice president of the Student Veteran’s Organization, discusses urban legends and ghost stories associated with the Grey Towers Castle. 4 – 7 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 19
*Please note these events are in the Beaver College Room, Landman Library

“Fear Factor: Arcadia Edition – Guess What is in the Box!” with the “American Horror Story” class, puts participants to the test to face their fear of the unknown. 10:20 a.m. – noon.

“‘Don’t! Stop!’ or ‘Don’t stop!’: The Jumble of Media, Fear, Kink and Crime” presented by visiting speaker Dr. Amanda Farrell, assistant professor of Criminal Justice at Marymount University, explores how media influences sexual crimes from 12:20 to 2:10 p.m.

“The Creeper in the Shadows??: Serial Homicide, Pop Culture, and Fear” with Dr. Farrell, where she will present her research on serial killers and the public fascination with these individuals. Dr. Farrell has collaborated on several projects with the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, and studied extensively on serial killers, with a special focus on female serial killers. 4 – 7 p.m.