English 173 - Fall, 2013

Science Fiction

Class Information

Instructor: Milburn, Colin
CRN: 53543
Time: MWF 11:00-11:50
Location: 118 Olson

Description

Since its emergence in the early nineteenth century, science fiction (sf) has performed a powerful role in constructing our conceptions of the future and what it means to be human in a high-tech world. This course will explore the history and development of science fiction as a literary genre and a cultural discourse. During the quarter, we will study the following topics: genre theory and definitions of sf; the relations between sf and science; the political significance of imagining alternative worlds or futures; alien zones and fictional ethnographies; technological enhancement and the invention of the posthuman; and science fiction across media. The course will cover three chronological periods: the early genre; the “Golden Age”; and postmodern science fiction. For each period we will study representative novels, short stories, and other media forms. In addition to surveying the evolution of the genre and its major thematic concerns, we will focus on developing close-reading skills and practicing techniques of literary analysis.

Grading

2 essays; weekly writing exercises; final exam.

Texts

Dune, Frank Herbert
The Science Fiction Hall of Fame, Volume 1, Robert Silverberg, ed.
Neuromancer, William Gibson
The Time Machine, H. G. Wells
Ubik, Philip K. Dick
Icehenge, Kim Stanley Robinson
The Left Hand of Darkness, Ursula K. Le Guin