Speculative Fiction

This class explores the genre of science fiction in the last half of the twentieth century in short stories, novels, films, and futurism. Much of humanity’s hopes and fears about its relationship with the universe is explored by the various writers and directors known for their work in science fiction.

Science, or speculative, fiction also considers humanity’s responses to changes in the level of science and technology. This class will consider science fiction as located historically and attempt to relate culturally texts that explore, discover, learn, by means of projection, extrapolation, analogue, hypothesis-and-paper-experimentation, something about the nature of the universe, of humanity, of “reality.” Cyberpunk, world building, gender, cyborgs, robots, space travel, aliens, war, time travel, mad computers, and other similar subjects will fall under the purview of the course.

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Today, I had a thoughtful, quiet ride. I went to campus to pick up some books I needed to finish course prep for this summer, but made it all the way there and realized I had forgotten my keys. No matter, it was a brilliant, sunny day, and the Bimmer growled its contentment. I stopped for some pictures. This image is taken just west of our Lake Kneedeep on the MSC Campus. Below, I stopped by Mercer Law School, a place that has arguably the best view in Macon. Here, the view is obstructed by a damn truck, a ubiquitous occurrence in Jawja, unfortunately.

I talked to Thomas last night about a ride to the mountains before the summer’s teaching — in a week! — makes getting away more difficult. We’re thinking about leaving tomorrow for a couple of days to hit Deal’s Gap and the Tail of the Dragon. I’ve been itching to see how the 1150 R takes those luscious twisties. If I can only finish my prep…