Speculative Fiction I / II
From Neopolis
SECTION: Specialised Course
AVAILABLE TO: Everyone!
TEACHER: Alma Jones [MEZCLA]
DESCRIPTION: Courses dealing with "what if" fiction, ranging from general science fiction to fantasy and literary. The common terminology for these books is "alternate universe:" our world, differed in some very fundamental way. Classic examples include the "What if Hitler won WWII?" premise, as well as the well known 1984 and less thought of His Dark Materials trilogy.
- Course I will be a survey course, discussing speculative fiction in general, its common characteristics, its history, and a brief look into its cultural impact. Texts will be exclusively novels and short fiction, including authors (but not limited to:) Ray Bradbury, George Orwell, Franz Kafka, and Neil Gaiman. Two term papers will be required of every student: one 8-10 page (double-spaced) paper at midterms, and one 10-12 page (double-spaced) paper at final exams. Students will be given a list of topics that may be used as starting points, but all students are required to create their own innovative, well thought out, and creative papers.
- Course II will focus on the cultural and historical significance of speculative fiction: what these books/graphic novels/television shows are attempting to accomplish, culturally and socially; what overarching themes occur in different eras and genres of speculative fiction, and what themes are constant; and how successful this type of literature is in changing both the literary and cultural field, particularly in the modern era. As an extension of the material in Course I, Course II will incorporate many different media genres, including: graphic novels, anime/manga, television, film, contemporary art, and music. Two term papers will be required of every student: one 8-10 page (double spaced) paper at midterms, and one 13-15 page (double spaced) paper at final exams. As in Course I, students will be given a list of starting topics, but are expected to expand these into creative, interesting theses.
An important theme of both courses will be the significance of the "superhero," the "vigilante," "supervillain," and "leagues" in speculative fiction — how these characters arose in society and the historical circumstances that necessitated their rising; and in a world with real superheroes, what the continued significance of characters such as Batman, Black Canary, and the Avengers have. Students in both courses will be expected to keep abreast of news in the world of speculative fiction (some key websites and magazines will be provided) and regularly engage in class discussion. Attendance is mandatory, and meeting with the professor outside of class is encouraged. Reading material will be assigned.
STUDENTS (TRIMESTER ONE: SPECULATIVE FICTION):
- Adam Booth
- Aaron Cato
- Mary Collins
- Rob Donovan
- Saoirse Ellis
- Jackie Frost
- Alvin Greenthistle
- Erik Harris
- Simon Liebowitz
- Joe McCreedy
STUDENTS (TRIMESTER TWO: SPECULATIVE FICTION I):
- Annie Brewski
- Zac Daly
- Huckleberry Finn
- Toby Hastings
- Regina Ivanova
- Andy Keller
- Vera Matthews
STUDENTS (TRIMESTER TWO: SPECULATIVE FICTION II):
- Mary Collins
- Magda Davis
- Simon Liebowitz
ASSIGNMENTS:
