World Science Fiction Syllabus
Spring 2022
WES = Wesleyan Anthology of Science Fiction (print)
LC = Literary Criticism (an article). If not link, then in “Readings” (BB)
No indication: in “Readings” (BB)
LC = Literary Criticism (an article). If not link, then in “Readings” (BB)
No indication: in “Readings” (BB)
WEEK 1
Mon. Jan. 24
Introduction
Introduction
Wed. Jan. 26: Proto SF
• H. G. Wells, “The Star” (UK, 1897) (WES)
• W.E.B. DuBois, “The Comet” (USA, 1920) (please note who DeBois was and the context in which he uses the language he does; we will not use the same language in class)
• Spend a ½ hour getting to know our BB site and the WSF website
MUSIC: Richard Strauss, “Also sprach Zarathustra,” Op. 30 (1896), used for Kubrick’s film 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
• H. G. Wells, “The Star” (UK, 1897) (WES)
• W.E.B. DuBois, “The Comet” (USA, 1920) (please note who DeBois was and the context in which he uses the language he does; we will not use the same language in class)
• Spend a ½ hour getting to know our BB site and the WSF website
MUSIC: Richard Strauss, “Also sprach Zarathustra,” Op. 30 (1896), used for Kubrick’s film 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Thurs. or Fri.: Word Press training about 15-20 mins.
WEEK 2
* Blog Overlords: Steve W, Joosep V, Colin V (Blog / Guidelines)
Mon. Jan. 31: Golden Age
• Isaac Asimov, “Reason” (US, 1941) (WES)
• Clifford D. Simak, “Desertion” (US, 1944) (WES)
• Ray Bradbury, “There Will Come Soft Rains” (US, 1950) (WES)
• Juan Jose Arreola, “Baby H.P.” (Mexico, 1952)
MUSIC: Ella Fitzgerald, “Two Little Men in a Flying Saucer” (1951)
Wed. Feb. 2: Women of the Golden Age
• Judith Merril, “That Only a Mother” (US, 1948) (WES)
• Margaret St. Clair, “Prott” (US, 1953)
• Andrew North (Alice Mary Norton), “All Cats are Gray” (US, 1953)
• LC: Donawerth, “Body Parts: 20th c. SF Short Stories by Women”
MUSIC: Delia Derbyshire, “Doctor Who theme song” (1963)
• Isaac Asimov, “Reason” (US, 1941) (WES)
• Clifford D. Simak, “Desertion” (US, 1944) (WES)
• Ray Bradbury, “There Will Come Soft Rains” (US, 1950) (WES)
• Juan Jose Arreola, “Baby H.P.” (Mexico, 1952)
MUSIC: Ella Fitzgerald, “Two Little Men in a Flying Saucer” (1951)
Wed. Feb. 2: Women of the Golden Age
• Judith Merril, “That Only a Mother” (US, 1948) (WES)
• Margaret St. Clair, “Prott” (US, 1953)
• Andrew North (Alice Mary Norton), “All Cats are Gray” (US, 1953)
• LC: Donawerth, “Body Parts: 20th c. SF Short Stories by Women”
MUSIC: Delia Derbyshire, “Doctor Who theme song” (1963)
Mon. Feb. 7: Are we alone? Where are they?
• Arthur C. Clarke, “The Sentinel” (UK, 1951) (WES)
• TV EPISODE: R. Bare and D. Knight, To Serve Man [S3E24 of The Twilight Zone] (USA, 1962, 24m) – here
• GRAPHIC: The Fermi Paradox -here (scroll down a bit)
• GRAPHIC: The Drake Equation -here (scroll down a bit)
MUSIC: Alexander Courage, “Where No Man Had Gone Before (theme from Star Trek)” (1966-69)
* Terminology Quiz, about 10-15mins (quizlet here)
* Sign up deadline for The Green Hand trip
• Arthur C. Clarke, “The Sentinel” (UK, 1951) (WES)
• TV EPISODE: R. Bare and D. Knight, To Serve Man [S3E24 of The Twilight Zone] (USA, 1962, 24m) – here
• GRAPHIC: The Fermi Paradox -here (scroll down a bit)
• GRAPHIC: The Drake Equation -here (scroll down a bit)
MUSIC: Alexander Courage, “Where No Man Had Gone Before (theme from Star Trek)” (1966-69)
* Terminology Quiz, about 10-15mins (quizlet here)
* Sign up deadline for The Green Hand trip
Wed. Feb. 9: A New Wave
• Herbert Franke, “Thought Control” (Austria, 1961)
• J. G. Ballard, “You & Me & the Continuum” (UK, 1966)
• FILM: Chris Marker, La Jetée (France, 1962) – here
MUSIC: The 5th Dimension, “Aquarius” (1965) and Pink Floyd, “Let There Be More Light” (1968)
• Herbert Franke, “Thought Control” (Austria, 1961)
• J. G. Ballard, “You & Me & the Continuum” (UK, 1966)
• FILM: Chris Marker, La Jetée (France, 1962) – here
MUSIC: The 5th Dimension, “Aquarius” (1965) and Pink Floyd, “Let There Be More Light” (1968)
Mon. Feb. 14: New Wave
• Harlan Ellison, “‘Repent Harlequin!’ Said the Ticktockman” (US, 1965) (WES)
• Samuel Delany, “Aye and Gomorrah” (US, 1967) (WES)
• LC: Delany, “About 5750 Words”
MUSIC: Jimi Hendrix, “1983… (A Merman I Should Turn To Be)” (1968)
FILM/TV CLIPS: The Prisoner – series (1967), 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), Dark Star (1974)
Wed. Feb. 16: 60s Italy
• Lino Aldani, “Goodnight, Sophie” (Italy, 1963)
• Luigi Cozzi, “Rainy Day Revolution No. 39” (Italy, 1965)
• Primo Levi, “Man’s Friend” (Italy, 1966)
MUSIC: Zager & Evans, “In the Year 2525” (1968)
FILM/TV CLIPS: Barbarella (1968)
• Harlan Ellison, “‘Repent Harlequin!’ Said the Ticktockman” (US, 1965) (WES)
• Samuel Delany, “Aye and Gomorrah” (US, 1967) (WES)
• LC: Delany, “About 5750 Words”
MUSIC: Jimi Hendrix, “1983… (A Merman I Should Turn To Be)” (1968)
FILM/TV CLIPS: The Prisoner – series (1967), 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), Dark Star (1974)
Wed. Feb. 16: 60s Italy
• Lino Aldani, “Goodnight, Sophie” (Italy, 1963)
• Luigi Cozzi, “Rainy Day Revolution No. 39” (Italy, 1965)
• Primo Levi, “Man’s Friend” (Italy, 1966)
MUSIC: Zager & Evans, “In the Year 2525” (1968)
FILM/TV CLIPS: Barbarella (1968)
Thurs. Feb. 17: The Green Hand Bookshop, Portland (sign up here), allot about 3 hours
Mon. Feb. 21: Soviet Russia
• Arkady & Boris Strugatsky, “The Strangers” (Russia, 1959)
• Ilya Varshavsky, “Perpetual Motion” (Russia, 1965)
• Sergei Drugal, “The Exam” (Russia, 1979)
• LC: Ronay, “SF and the Thaw”
MUSIC: David Bowie, “Space Oddity” (1969)
FILM/TV CLIPS: Stalker (1979)
• Arkady & Boris Strugatsky, “The Strangers” (Russia, 1959)
• Ilya Varshavsky, “Perpetual Motion” (Russia, 1965)
• Sergei Drugal, “The Exam” (Russia, 1979)
• LC: Ronay, “SF and the Thaw”
MUSIC: David Bowie, “Space Oddity” (1969)
FILM/TV CLIPS: Stalker (1979)
Wed. Feb. 23: 60s-70s Japan—Guest Speaker: Prof. Selinger
• Shinichi Hoshi, “Bokko-Chan” (Japan, 1958)
• Sakyō Komatsu, “Take Your Choice” (Japan, 1967)
• Yasutaka Tsutsui, “Standing Woman” (Japan, 1974)
MUSIC: Styx, “Mr. Roboto” (1983)
FILM/TV CLIPS: Godzilla
WEEK 6
* Blog Overlords Sam N, Calvin L, Isabelle L (Blog / Guidelines)
* Green Hand Book blog post Mon. Feb. 28: Memory and Machines
• Philip K. Dick, “We Can Remember it For You Wholesale” (US, 1966) (WES)
• Tor Age Bringsvaerd, “Codemus” (Norway, 1968)
• Brian Aldiss, “Super-Toys Last All Summer Long” (UK, 1969) (WES)
FILM/TV CLIPS: A.I. (2001)
MUSIC: King Crimson, “21st Century Schizoid Man” (1969)
Wed. Mar. 2: Gender & Sexuality
• Ursula K. Le Guin, “Nine Lives” (US, 1969) (WES)
• Joanna Russ, “When It Changed” (US, 1972) (WES)
• James Tiptree, Jr. (Alice Sheldon), “And I Awoke and Found Me Here on the Cold Hill’s Side” (USA, 1972)
MUSIC: Yes, “Then” (1970)
FILM/TV CLIPS: Zardoz (1974), Logan’s Run (1976)
• Ursula K. Le Guin, “Nine Lives” (US, 1969) (WES)
• Joanna Russ, “When It Changed” (US, 1972) (WES)
• James Tiptree, Jr. (Alice Sheldon), “And I Awoke and Found Me Here on the Cold Hill’s Side” (USA, 1972)
MUSIC: Yes, “Then” (1970)
FILM/TV CLIPS: Zardoz (1974), Logan’s Run (1976)
***Nino Cipri, Defekt (USA, 2021), ideally, read before going to play (if not possible, then by Wed, March 9); we’ll discuss on Wed., March 9
Grace Keller-Long’s adaptation of Defekt: WISH THEATER in MEMORIAL HALL
-Thurs. March 3: 7:30 Open dress rehersal
-Fri. March 4: 7:30
-Sat. March 5: 2pm and 7:30
-Thurs. March 3: 7:30 Open dress rehersal
-Fri. March 4: 7:30
-Sat. March 5: 2pm and 7:30
WEEK 7
* Blog Overlords Sam L, Gretchen K, Ezra J (Blog / Guidelines)
* Green Hand Book blog post Mon. Mar. 7: A few more from the 60s & 70s
• Stanislaw Lem, “Tale of the Computer that Fought a Dragon” (Poland, 1964)
• José B. Adolph, “The Falsifier” (Peru, 1972)
• Hanmura Ryō, “Cardboard Box” (Japan, 1975)
MUSIC: Black Sabbath, “Iron Man” (1970) and Rush, “2112” (1976)
FILM/TV CLIPS: Close Encounters (1977), Star Crash (1978), Alien (1979)
Wed. Mar. 9: Science Fiction on Stage, Guest Speaker: Grace Keller-Long (’22)
• Nino Cipri, Defekt (USA, 2021)
• REREAD: José B. Adolph, “The Falsifier” (Peru, 1972) – Who is speaking to the Commander? Who is the white man the Incan see? Commentary on Christianity?
MUSIC: Björk, “All Is Full of Love” (1997)
Spring Break Spring Break Spring Break Spring Break Spring Break Spring Break
Mon. Mar. 28: China ***Prof. at conference. Recorded lecture (watch before discussion).
Discussion on ZOOM starting at 11:00: come with q’s and thoughts***
• Zheng Wenguang, “The Mirror Image of the Earth” (China, 1980)
• Chen Qiufan, “A History of Future Illnesses” (China, 2012)
• Hao Jingfang, “Folding Beijing” (China, 2014)
• LC: Xia Jia, “What Makes Chinese SF Chinese?”
MUSIC: TanWeiwei, soundtrack (2021) for a radio adaptation of Cixin Liu’s Hugo Award winning trilogy, The Three Body Problem
FILM/TV CLIPS:
Discussion on ZOOM starting at 11:00: come with q’s and thoughts***
• Zheng Wenguang, “The Mirror Image of the Earth” (China, 1980)
• Chen Qiufan, “A History of Future Illnesses” (China, 2012)
• Hao Jingfang, “Folding Beijing” (China, 2014)
• LC: Xia Jia, “What Makes Chinese SF Chinese?”
MUSIC: TanWeiwei, soundtrack (2021) for a radio adaptation of Cixin Liu’s Hugo Award winning trilogy, The Three Body Problem
FILM/TV CLIPS:
Wed. Mar. 30: Latin America ***Prof. at conference. Recorded lecture (watch before discussion).
Discussion on ZOOM starting at 10:45: come with q’s and thoughts***
• Alicia Yánez Cossío, “The IWM 1000” (Ecuador, 1975)
• Federico Schaffler, “A Miscalculation” (Mexico, 1983)
• Angélica Gorodischer, “The Unmistakable Smell of Wood Violets” (Argentina, 1985)
MUSIC: Patricio Rey y sus Redonditors de Ricota, “Las increíbles andanzas del Capitán Buscapina en Cybersiberia” (1998)
FILM/TV CLIPS:
• LC: Bell, “SF in Latin America: Reawakenings”
Discussion on ZOOM starting at 10:45: come with q’s and thoughts***
• Alicia Yánez Cossío, “The IWM 1000” (Ecuador, 1975)
• Federico Schaffler, “A Miscalculation” (Mexico, 1983)
• Angélica Gorodischer, “The Unmistakable Smell of Wood Violets” (Argentina, 1985)
MUSIC: Patricio Rey y sus Redonditors de Ricota, “Las increíbles andanzas del Capitán Buscapina en Cybersiberia” (1998)
FILM/TV CLIPS:
• LC: Bell, “SF in Latin America: Reawakenings”
WEEK 9
* Blog Overlords Sarah H, Ray G, Timmy G (Blog / Guidelines)
* Green Hand Book blog post Mon. Apr. 4: Octavia Butler Day
• Octavia Butler, “Speech Sounds” (US, 1983) (WES)
• Octavia Butler, “Bloodchild” (US, 1984)
• Butler/Duffy, opening pages of the 2020 graphic novel adaptation of Butler’s Parable of the Sower (1993)
MUSIC: Sun Ra, “Space is the Place” (1974) and Parliament, “Mothership Connection” (1975) and Donna Summer, “I Feel Love” (1977)
FILM/TV CLIPS: Space is the Place trailer
Wed. Apr. 6: Cyberpunk
• William Gibson, “Burning Chrome” (US, 1982) (WES)
• Pat Cadigan, “Pretty Boy Crossover” (US, 1986) (WES)
• Braulio Tavares, “Stuntmind” (Brazil, 1989)
MUSIC: Kraftwerk, “The Robots” (1978) and Queen, “Flash’s Theme” (1980) and Herbie Hancock, “Rockit” (1983)
FILM/TV CLIPS: Altered States (1980), Brazil (1985), RoboCop (1987)
• William Gibson, “Burning Chrome” (US, 1982) (WES)
• Pat Cadigan, “Pretty Boy Crossover” (US, 1986) (WES)
• Braulio Tavares, “Stuntmind” (Brazil, 1989)
MUSIC: Kraftwerk, “The Robots” (1978) and Queen, “Flash’s Theme” (1980) and Herbie Hancock, “Rockit” (1983)
FILM/TV CLIPS: Altered States (1980), Brazil (1985), RoboCop (1987)
WEEK 10
* Blog Overlords Lily F, Evan B, Stephen B (Blog / Guidelines)
* Green Hand Book blog post
Mon. Apr. 11: Food and Humor
• Massimo Mongai, “Galactic Guidebook for the Gourmet” (Italy, 1999)
• Jake Kerr, “The Alien Invasion as Seen in the Twitter Stream” (US, 2012)
• Vina Jie-Min Prasad, “A Series of Steaks” (Singapore, 2017)
MUSIC: The Flaming Lips, “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots” (2002), Flight of the Conchords, “Robots” (2008), and Chairlift, “Le Flying Saucer Hat” (2008)
Wed. Apr. 13: Cities in the new millennium
• Vandana Singh, “Delhi” (India, 2004)
• Ng Yi-Seng, “Xingzhou” (Singapore, 2019)
• FILM: Giacomo Cimini, The City in the Sky (Italy-UK, 2009, 27 mins) – here
MUSIC: Daft Punk, “Contact” (2013) and Crystal Fighters, “Wave” (2013)
• Vandana Singh, “Delhi” (India, 2004)
• Ng Yi-Seng, “Xingzhou” (Singapore, 2019)
• FILM: Giacomo Cimini, The City in the Sky (Italy-UK, 2009, 27 mins) – here
MUSIC: Daft Punk, “Contact” (2013) and Crystal Fighters, “Wave” (2013)
Fri. Apr. 15: Essay 2: “Multiplexing” uploaded to your Google Folder by midnight. Guidelines here.
WEEK 11
* Blog Overlords Narmer B, Elizabeth B, Isabella A (Blog / Guidelines)
* Green Hand Book blog post Mon. Apr. 18: AI and Religion
• FILM: K. Jee-woon The Heavenly Creature in Doomsday Book (Korea, 2012; 30mins) – here
-Based on Park Seonghwan’s “Readmade Bodhisattva” (Korea, 2005)
• Fadzlishah Johanabas, “Act of Faith” (Malaysia, 2010)
• LC: James, “Artificials Should Be Allowed to Worship.” –here
MUSIC: Sufjan Stevens, “Get Real Get Right” (2010) and Arctic Monkeys, “Science Fiction” (2018)
FILM/TV CLIPS: Dune tv miniseries (2000)
Wed. Apr. 20: Africa
• Nnedi Okorafor, “From the Lost Diary of TreeFrog7” (Nigeria, 2009)
• Tlotlo Tsamaase, “Virtual Snapshot” (Botswana, 2019)
• FILM: Wanuri Kahiu, Pumzi (Kenya, 2009; 23m) – here
• LC: Okorafor, “African Science Fiction is Still Alien” – here
MUSIC: CopperWire, “Phone Home” (Ethiopia, 2012) video here
WEEK 12
* Blog Overlords Katherine, Summer, Johnny L (Blog / Guidelines)
* Green Hand Book blog post Mon. Apr. 25: 2000s Indigenous SF
• FILM: Lisa Jackson, The Visit (Anishinaabe, 2009) – here
• FILM: Nanobah Becker, The 6th World (Navajo, 2012) – here
• FILM: Helen Haig-Brown, The Cave (Tsilhqot’in, 2018) – here
• LC: Lempert, “Native Sci-fi Film Futures” (2019) –here
• LC: Dillon & Neve Marques, “…Indigenous Futurisms” (2021) – here
MUSIC: Low Leaf, “Voice” (2018), video here
Wed. Apr. 27: Machine-Body Interface
• FILM: Robert Valley, Zima Blue (Canada, 2019) – here
-Based on Alistair Reynold’s “Zima Blue” (England, 2005)
• FILM: Antoine Caëcke & Hélène Jeudy, Anvil (Japan/Belgium, 2017) – here
MUSIC: I Am Robet and Proud, “The Electricity in Your House Wants to Sing” (2006)
FILM/TV CLIPS: Westworld – tv series (2016 -)
• FILM: Robert Valley, Zima Blue (Canada, 2019) – here
-Based on Alistair Reynold’s “Zima Blue” (England, 2005)
• FILM: Antoine Caëcke & Hélène Jeudy, Anvil (Japan/Belgium, 2017) – here
MUSIC: I Am Robet and Proud, “The Electricity in Your House Wants to Sing” (2006)
FILM/TV CLIPS: Westworld – tv series (2016 -)
*DUE: Sunday, May 1: Green Hand Book blog post
WEEK 13
* Blog Overlords Diego L, Sophie G., Nora H (Blog / Guidelines)
Mon. May. 2: The Middle East—Guest Speaker: Prof. Sreenath
• Zhraa Alhaboby, “Baghdad Syndrome” (Iraq, 2016)
• Talal Abu Shawish, “Final Warning” (Palestine, 2019)
MUSIC: Al Nather, “Abu Bakr” (Palestine, 2018) and 47 Soul, “Gamar” (Palestine, 2018)
Wed. May 4: Postapocalyptic / Clifi
• Carmen Maria Machado, “The Hungry Earth” (US, 2013)
• Catherynne Valente, “The Future is Blue (US, 2016)
MUSIC: XTC, “This World Over” (1984), 4Hero, “Loveless” (1998), and Deltron 3030, “3030” (2000)
• LC: Michael Horka, “Heyiya”
WEEK 14
* Blog Overlords Tyrese D and Liam J (Blog / Guidelines)
Mon. May 9: Don Hertzfeldt Day
• Don Hertzfeldt, World of Tomorrow (US, 2015) – here
• Don Hertzfeldt, World of Tomorrow Episode Two: The Burden of Other People’s Thoughts (US, 2017) – here
• Don Hertzfeldt, World of Tomorrow Episode Three: The Absent Destinations of David Prime (US, 2020) – here
MUSIC: Radiohead, “Subterranean Homesick Alien” (1997)
Wed. May 11: Optimistic SF
• Annalee Newitz, “Two Scenarios for the …” (US, 2014)
• Charlie Jane Anders, “The Day It All Ended” (US, 2014)
• Darcie Little Badger, “Robo-Liopleurodon” (Lipan Apache, 2019)
MUSIC: Carpenters, “Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft” (1977), Donald Fagan. “I.G.Y.” (1982), and LF58, “Evocazione/Contatto/Risevglio” (2020)
FILM/TV CLIPS: Arrival (2016), The OA – tv series (2016-17), Legion – tv series (2017-19)
• Annalee Newitz, “Two Scenarios for the …” (US, 2014)
• Charlie Jane Anders, “The Day It All Ended” (US, 2014)
• Darcie Little Badger, “Robo-Liopleurodon” (Lipan Apache, 2019)
MUSIC: Carpenters, “Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft” (1977), Donald Fagan. “I.G.Y.” (1982), and LF58, “Evocazione/Contatto/Risevglio” (2020)
FILM/TV CLIPS: Arrival (2016), The OA – tv series (2016-17), Legion – tv series (2017-19)
Last day of Exams: Final paper (critical essay) or short story, or other project. Due by 5pm in your Google Folder. Guidelines here.
(A list of other recommended stories in chronological order. Not required, but available on BB or in WES)
• Julian Kawalec, “I Kill Myself” (Poland, 1962)
• J. G. Ballard, “The Cage of Sand” (UK, 1962) (WES)
• Gérard Klein, “Party Line” (France, 1969)
• Gheorghe Săsărman, “Senezia” (Romania, 1975)
• David Grigg, “A Compassionate People” (Australia, 1978)
• Ernst Vlcek, “Say It with Flowers” (Austria, 1980)
• Nancy Kress, “Out of All Them Bright Stars” (US, 1985) (WES)
• Ion Hobana, “Night Broadcast” (Romania, 1986)
• Eileen Gunn, “Computer Friendly” (US, 1989) (WES)
• Yves Meynard, “Equinox” (Canada, 1992)
• Valerio Evangelisti, “Sepultura” (Italy, 1996)
• Pablo Castro, “Exerion” (Chile, 2000)
• W. J. Maryson, “Verstummte Musik” (The Netherlands, 2005)
• Panagiotis Koustas, “Athos Emfovos in the Temple of Sound” (Greece, 2007)
• Kristin Mandigma, “Excerpt from a Letter by a …” (Philippines, 2007)
• Anabel Enríquez Piñeiro, “Borrowed Time” (Cuba, 2007)
• Ted Chiang, “Exhalation” (US-China, 2008) (WES)
• Nir Yaniv, “Cinderers” (Israel, 2009)
• Fabio Fernandes, “Nothing Happened in 1999” (Brazil, 2010)
• Rochita Loenen-Ruiz, “Alternate Girls’…” (Philippines-Netherlands, 2010)
• Ken Liu, “Mono no Aware” (USA/Japan 2012)
• Hao Jingfang, “New Year Train” (China, 2017)
• S. Quioyi Lu, “Mother Tongues” (USA, 2018)
• Julian Kawalec, “I Kill Myself” (Poland, 1962)
• J. G. Ballard, “The Cage of Sand” (UK, 1962) (WES)
• Gérard Klein, “Party Line” (France, 1969)
• Gheorghe Săsărman, “Senezia” (Romania, 1975)
• David Grigg, “A Compassionate People” (Australia, 1978)
• Ernst Vlcek, “Say It with Flowers” (Austria, 1980)
• Nancy Kress, “Out of All Them Bright Stars” (US, 1985) (WES)
• Ion Hobana, “Night Broadcast” (Romania, 1986)
• Eileen Gunn, “Computer Friendly” (US, 1989) (WES)
• Yves Meynard, “Equinox” (Canada, 1992)
• Valerio Evangelisti, “Sepultura” (Italy, 1996)
• Pablo Castro, “Exerion” (Chile, 2000)
• W. J. Maryson, “Verstummte Musik” (The Netherlands, 2005)
• Panagiotis Koustas, “Athos Emfovos in the Temple of Sound” (Greece, 2007)
• Kristin Mandigma, “Excerpt from a Letter by a …” (Philippines, 2007)
• Anabel Enríquez Piñeiro, “Borrowed Time” (Cuba, 2007)
• Ted Chiang, “Exhalation” (US-China, 2008) (WES)
• Nir Yaniv, “Cinderers” (Israel, 2009)
• Fabio Fernandes, “Nothing Happened in 1999” (Brazil, 2010)
• Rochita Loenen-Ruiz, “Alternate Girls’…” (Philippines-Netherlands, 2010)
• Ken Liu, “Mono no Aware” (USA/Japan 2012)
• Hao Jingfang, “New Year Train” (China, 2017)
• S. Quioyi Lu, “Mother Tongues” (USA, 2018)
The WSF Course
This course explores the local, global, and universal natures of the speculative genre of science fiction (SF) from the early twentieth century through the present. Highlights works from the Golden Age (late 1930s-50s), the New Wave of the 1960s and 70s, cyberpunk in the 1980s, and today’s various sub-genres and cross-over incarnations. Approaches SF as a mode of thought-experimentation and world-building that problematizes actual and possible political, cultural, natural, human, and techno-scientific realities. Among the themes included are the human-machine interface, environmental apocalypse, the alien, and time travel. Readings include short stories from nearly every continent (a number of which are accompanied by a film or other media), scholarly writing on SF, and contemporary debates in and around SF.
Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Identify and understand various formal characteristics of science fiction (SF)
• Apply techniques of critical analysis to speaking and writing about SF literature and other media
• Demonstrate understanding of the cultural, historical, and political contexts in which SF has been produced
• Use literary study to develop skills for careful reading/viewing and clear writing
• Speak both broadly and specifically about the world of SF today
Required for the course
• Attendance, participation, assignments on time
• Reading assigned materials (short stories and literary criticism) and viewing assigned short films BEFORE class
• Always having the readings with you in class, printed out or on an ipad
• 2 essays (4-5pp each)
• Terminology Quiz
• Website postings
• Green Hand Book & Blog
• Attending the play Defekt
• Final paper or short story
Final Grade calculation
• 20% Participation/Attendance
• 35% Essays (2)
• 15%. WSF Blog postings & Green Hand Book
• 05% Terminology Quiz
• 25% Final Project
• 20% Participation/Attendance
• 35% Essays (2)
• 15%. WSF Blog postings & Green Hand Book
• 05% Terminology Quiz
• 25% Final Project
To purchase
• Evans, A., et al., eds. The Wesleyan Anthology of Science Fiction. Middletown: Wesleyan University Press, 2010.
• Cipri, Nino. Defekt. New York: Tordotcom, 2021
• Evans, A., et al., eds. The Wesleyan Anthology of Science Fiction. Middletown: Wesleyan University Press, 2010.
• Cipri, Nino. Defekt. New York: Tordotcom, 2021
Short Stories, Short Films, and Articles
• in WES, BB, or the WSF website.
• in WES, BB, or the WSF website.
World Science Fiction Website (WSF)
• on BB, or google “world science fiction” & Bowdoin
Attendance Policy
Attendance is required and will be taken each class. Please be on time. Three lates = 1 absence. It is understood that periodically things happen that prevent your attendance. Hence, you will be allowed 2 unexcused absences throughout the semester. These absent days are to cover things such as illness, weddings, funerals, job interviews, etc. Beginning with your 3rd absence (regardless of the reasons for the first 2) 2 points will be deducted from your final participation grade each time you are absent if you are not able to document the absence with a valid excuse (e.g., dean’s note.).
Deadline Policy
All papers are due in your Google folder by the given time (see each paper) on assigned dates. Late papers are graded down 5 points each day late (e.g., from a 90 to an 85, etc.). If there is an urgent matter or serious health issue that delays your paper, please have a dean contact me.
Participation in Discussion Policy
You are expected to engage in class discussions thoughtfully and respectfully toward the opinions of their peers. In general, each student who comes to class prepared, has the stories and articles PRINTED OUT, IN A BOOK, OR ON IPAD, attentively follows class discussions, and participates in debates fulfills the participation criteria. Students who show a higher than average level of motivation, regularly contribute to class discussions, display competence and a high degree of thoughtfulness can earn a bonus of up to 5 points on their participation grade (an excellent participation grade is an A [95]; a bonus one is 100). Conversely, students who display lack of preparation may receive a malus of up to 5 points on their participation grade. If you are particularly shy about speaking in class, let me know and we will arrange for alternative ways for you to share your questions and thoughts.
Preparation Policy
You are expected to come to class having read/viewed the assigned material AND with the readings in front of you. If it becomes clear that more than an occasional few students haven’t read/viewed the material, I may start giving pop quizzes, which will be averaged with other assignments to constitute your final grade. Please always have your computer and cells with you, in case we need them for a particular project. Always bring a notebook and writing implement, too.
Email policy
You are required to check your Bowdoin email account at least once a day, in case there are any announcements or changes (like having class online because of a weather or health emergency).
Tech Policy
Phones are forbidden in class, unless otherwise stated (an occasional activity). Ipads are, however, allowed, for the readings only. If you prefer to take notes on a computer, please speak with me, and you MUST take a vow of surfing/email/etc. abstinence.
Citation Policy / Academic Integrity
The primary sources that you will be citing in your papers are short stories, films, articles, class discussions, blog postings, works of art, and websites. There is a huge amount of SF material online, as you will see. Please be very careful when surfing and have a sharp critical eye and awareness about who is writing and what their objectives are. If you are uncertain about whether to cite a site or someone, ask me. If you are not sure how to cite a source, check the “Citation Guidelines” on BB. And… remember to respect all aspects of the academic honesty and honor code http://www.bowdoin.edu/studentaffairs/forms/pdf/honor_code.pdf
Not required, but encouraged
• Watching at least one recommended film or TV series on the WSF website.
• Contributing to the Sci-Fi Spotify playlist.
Office Hours
My office hours are Mondays and Wednesdays 11:45-12:45, and Fridays 10:15-11:15am. I will be in my office on the first floor of Riley House (#102). If you cannot make those times, email me to set up another time. Sign-up for a meeting (see BB link).
Other Stuff
• You may bring drinks to class, but NOT smelly food (e.g. bananas, peanut butter, tuna fish, soup) or noisy food.
• Obviously, know the College’s plagiarism policy and maintain the Honor Code.
• Guidelines for all papers and activities on BB
Word Press questions: our L.A. Bradford Dudley: [email protected] or David Israel [email protected]
Copyright Information:
The information on this website is licensed under Creative Commons 4.0.
The images are © Franco Brambilla.
