IGE Student’s Paper on Fictional Horror Wins Top Research Award

Ray Martinez, a student taking the Interdisciplinary General Education 3600 course on Demons, the Undead and the Monstrous Other, has won the Library Research Award's second place prize for her paper on fictional horror. The award recognizes excellence and creativity in the use of Cal Poly Pomona University Library resources, collections and services.    

“I am so honored to have received this award, which recognizes my hard work and creativity,” said Martinez. “It means a lot to me to know that the Library committee felt that my work was outstanding and should be celebrated. I thank them for that, and I know this award will only inspire me to continue writing and doing research.”  

Martinez's paper, “The Avoidance of Real-World Horrors,” explores the topic of writing fictional horror as an outlet of expression and as a coping mechanism for managing stress, mental health and anxiety.  

She submitted the paper as part of the course, taught by IGE lecturer Rosanne Welch, which included course readings from “Beloved” by Toni Morrison and “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson, both books dealing with the consequences of abuse and mistreatment of others by society.   

“We live in a very imperfect and chaotic world,” said Martinez. “I felt it was important to write about fiction, in this case, fictional horror, and how it can comfort and provide us with a sense of safety when we need it most.” 

The award categories included Best Undergraduate Student Project, Best Graduate Student Project, Best Use of Special Collections and two Honorable Mentions. The awardees were announced during a virtual celebration on May 6 and recipients were given Bronco gift cards ranging from $50 - $200.  

“IGE courses are taught with a focus on reading, reflecting, and discussing ideas, opinions and personal philosophies, which gives students from a wide variety of majors a more analytical experience that defines a liberal arts education,” said Welch. “While this course has a sexy title which draws them in, students who come to it find the time to more deeply understand the complexities of the world around them.  I often say no one majors in IGE, but the skills taught in IGE create the kind of well-rounded humans that people want to know – and hire.” 

For more information about the IGE Program, visit www.cpp.edu/ceis/interdisciplinary-general-education/.