5 Reasons to Read “Dracula” by Bram Stoker with Communiversity 2026
Communiversity – the University of Indianapolis’s online, book-club-style course – returns this fall to explore the Gothic horror classic, “Dracula” by Bram Stoker.
Why should you register for Communiversity this year?
1. Because you’re a fan of vampires and want to read the novel that shaped them all.
From capes and castles to fangs and immortality, many of the vampire stories we know today trace their roots back to “Dracula”. Bram Stoker’s novel established many of the characteristics that continue to influence books, films, television, and pop culture more than 125 years after its publication. Whether you’re a lifelong horror fan or simply curious about the original Count Dracula, this classic is the perfect place to begin.
2. Because you’re ready for an adventure that spans land and sea.
“Dracula” is more than a horror story—it’s an international adventure. Follow a cast of determined heroes as they travel across countries, investigate mysterious disappearances, survive perilous escapes, and keep watch through tense midnight stakeouts. Every section raises the stakes as they race to stop an ancient evil before it’s too late.
3. Because you want to explore the line between science and superstition.
At its heart, “Dracula” asks timeless questions about what we believe and how we confront the unknown. The novel brings together doctors, scholars, and ordinary people as they wrestle with the boundaries between life and death, sanity and madness, faith and reason, and science and superstition. Those themes remain just as compelling today as they were when the novel was first published.
4. Because you want to join a book club, but don’t have time to meet in person.
Between work, school, and everyday life, you may not have the time to go across town to join the local book club. Thankfully, Communiversity brings the book club to you. The course is completely virtual, with manageable weekly readings to do at home or wherever you read best, and online discussions with fellow readers.
5. Because the course is only $10* and the novel is free!
While gym memberships and other social clubs charge a hefty monthly fee, with Communiversity, you can connect with like-minded readers, read a classic novel, and hear from expert faculty, for a one-time fee of $10! Plus, you can access a free copy of “Dracula” courtesy of Project Gutenberg.
*UIndy students can register for Communiversity for free, as part of their semester courses. The cost of the course is included in their semester bill.
Did we convince you? Learn more about Communiversity 2026 and register by August 28, 2026, at https://uindy.edu/cas/english/communiversity.