ENGH 451: Science Fiction

ENGH 451-001: Science Fiction
(Fall 2023)

10:30 AM to 11:45 AM MW

Horizon Hall 4001

Section Information for Fall 2023

This class will neither ask nor answer the question “what is science fiction.” Instead, we will pose a more interesting and challenging question: “what does science fiction do?” How has SF allowed writers and thinkers to address changing technological and social realities? How does it help us to analyze and imagine the world in new ways? What is a science-fictional intellectual approach to contemporary problems? Exploring a diverse range of texts from stories of the 1930s to films, music, and novels of the present, we will examine the power of science fiction as itself a valuable technology for analyzing the present and imagining the future. Students will learn about the history and theory of science fiction, as well as recent revolutions in the genre that have made it one of the most popular literary forms for understanding contemporary global conditions.

Assignments will include weekly online textual analyses, an in-class presentation, a critical essay, and a final project to be determined by each student in conversation with Professor Hurley (may be critical or creative).

Tags:

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Major works of science fiction in terms of mode, themes, and narrative techniques, especially role of hypothesis in science fiction. Focuses on novels, short stories from early 19th century to present. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: Satisfaction of University requirements in 100-level English and in Mason Core literature.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

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