Planetary Perspectives: Utopias and Dystopias in German-language Science Fiction

4.0 credits

This course will focus on science fiction literature and film, with specific attention to the concepts of utopia and dystopia that typify the genre. Through the imaginative creation of utopian and dystopian visions of the future, science fiction is uniquely situated to identify and level critique against ecological and political challenges across time and up to the present moment. The course begins with the history of the genre in German-speaking lands, followed by an investigation of representative themes and methods of storytelling in texts, films and other media. This new course is designed for all undergraduates but especially GRMN majors and minors to engage with literary and filmic media in the original language and in translation. Language of instruction: English. Students interested in fulfillment of major and minor German core requirements may opt into additional German-language instruction. Students will have completed GRMN 200 or an equivalent course prior to enrolling.