CLCS 230T Science Fiction: Envisioning the Possible (Switzerland)
Science fiction narratives often function as allegorical vehicles for theoretical reflection on the state of contemporary politics and society, implicitly calling for social reform. As such, the main objective of this course is to consider several major contemporary socio-cultural issues through the unique lens provided by writers and filmmakers of the science-fiction tradition. The issues, allowing for variances from year to year, will include questions regarding race, sex, gender and Otherness; the hypothesized deterioration of a human-world bond; modern apocalyptic anxieties; genetic engineering; intersections of ideology and communication technologies. Student work in this class will also include creative writing, storytelling and video making. On-location shooting of a short SF film will be the focus of the Swiss travel. Exact locations to be defined but will include the Lake Léman region (the origin of Frankenstein). No previous knowledge of video-making necessary.