Yes, I'd say you were talking to the right people.
My article on horror movies focuses on some of the most persuasive female iconography in classic films. You can find FILM MOI at
http://www.deliriumbooks.com/insider/?p=344
Also check out my article HORRIBLE WOMEN, AN APPRECIATION OF THE SCREAM QUEEN
http://thechanceryhouse.com/chancery...ion_dunbar.htm
It's lighter in tone, but I think you'll enjoy it.
The class sounds fascinating. You may also want to check out H. R. Hays'
THE DANGEROUS SEX: The Myth of Feminine Evil and Bram Djikstra's
IDOLS OF PERVERSITY: Fantasies of Feminine Evil in Fin-De-Siecle Culture. Both are fascinating. (But the Svehla book is drivel. Avoid.) Best of luck with the project.