From vampires and ghosts to monsters, magic and folklore, New Orleans has long been associated with the supernatural. Beginning in October 2026, LSU New Orleans students can explore those connections through the new Horror Studies Badge.
The badge recognizes undergraduate students who demonstrate an interest in the macabre, the culture of New Orleans and the study of horror across literature, folklore and other creative works.
To earn the badge, students complete two courses and two related activities. Course options explore everything from vampire literature and ghost stories to werewolves, monsters, witches and folklore. Activities give students opportunities to take those interests beyond the classroom and experience the connections between horror and New Orleans culture firsthand.
Sample Courses
Courses that may count toward the Horror Studies Badge include Vampire Literature, Ghost Stories, Monsters and the Monstrous, Werewolves, Crafting the Witch, Women’s Vampire Literature, When Yokai Attack, Methods and Research: Vampires, Folklore, Horror in the Long 19th Century, Monsters, Horror and Crafting the Witch.
Independent research opportunities focusing on vampires or folklore may also be available as part of the course options.
Sample Activities
Students can fulfill the activity portion of the badge through experiences such as taking a ghost or vampire tour of the French Quarter, visiting a haunted landmark, attending a reading of applicable critical research or creative work, attending a play in the horror genre or attending a campus screening of a horror film.
The Horror Studies Badge gives students an opportunity to approach the supernatural through critical inquiry while making connections between their coursework and the history and culture of New Orleans.
The badge is not a degree and is available to LSU New Orleans undergraduate students. Students interested in participating can contact Dr. Robin Werner at [email protected] for more information.
