Unique University Courses in Ontario Explore Sorcery and Vampires

At universities throughout Ontario, students are engaging with unconventional courses that explore topics ranging from witchcraft to Japanese comics. These unique classes aim not only to entertain but also to foster critical thinking skills, a necessity in today’s fast-paced information age.

Examining the Dark Arts

At the University of Toronto, Erol Boran teaches “Our Vampires, Ourselves,” a course that invites students to reflect on their own fears and societal anxieties through the lens of vampire folklore. This course has gained popularity over the years, with students analyzing Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” alongside contemporary films like “Twilight” and “Sinners.” Boran emphasizes that the true value lies in critical thinking rather than the subject matter itself. “When you look at the vampires, you see yourself, a reflection of you and the reflection of the society that gave birth to the vampire,” he explains, highlighting the importance of finding topics that resonate with young adults.

The course often includes interactive elements, like students dressing as vampires for Halloween, reinforcing the idea that learning can be both fun and intellectually stimulating.

Witches and Historical Contexts

Similarly, Nicholas Must at Wilfrid Laurier University offers “Witches and Demons,” which delves into the historical witch hunts of early modern Europe. Must’s course interweaves social conditions, gender roles, and institutional influences, demonstrating how these factors culminated in mass hysteria. “Studying something that happened 500 years ago is still very, very relevant to the modern world,” he remarks, underscoring the course’s contemporary significance.

Students engage with multimedia tools to explore historical sources, fostering collaborative research that often leads to intriguing discussions. Must notes that the excitement surrounding the subject matter generates thought-provoking questions among students.

Poison, Prejudice, and Modern Relevance

At Queen’s University, Aditi Sen teaches “Poison and Prejudice: Toxins in Global History,” a course that covers the historical and societal implications of toxic substances. This class not only discusses alchemy and historical poisonings but also connects these themes to current issues, such as debates over food safety and vaccine hesitancy.

Sen highlights the importance of critical thinking in discussions about what constitutes a poison, stating, “In today’s world, there’s so much application of critical thinking about the moment somebody labels something as a poison.” By examining how societies have historically addressed toxic substances, students gain insights into contemporary challenges they may encounter in health and science.

Manga and Cultural Significance

At St. Jerome’s University, J. Andrew Deman leads a popular course on Japanese comics, which consistently reaches full enrollment. In this course, students explore the cultural and historical significance of manga, discussing its impact as a global phenomenon. Deman describes the vibrant classroom discussions as “miraculous,” noting how students connect manga to their own lives and contemporary issues.

“The greatest part of my job by a mile,” he says, “is hearing them talk about the ways that it connects to their lives, the ways that it builds meaning for them.”

As Canadian post-secondary institutions face challenges such as budget cuts and declining international enrolment, courses like these play a crucial role in keeping education relevant and engaging. By integrating fun and thought-provoking content, these programs not only attract students but also encourage them to think critically about both historical and modern contexts.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on February 10, 2026.