[Past] 13 Technology and the Future in North American Literature and Film - Spring 2017
CLASS NUMBER:
780-98
INSTRUCTOR:
TIME:
Mondays, 6:15-8:45 pm
LOCATION:
GLS Conference Room
DESCRIPTION:
Some contemporary writers in North America draw on a tradition of apocalypse -- or anticipation of "the end times" -- to draw readers into their stories. Some of these same writers also seek to elicit a political commitment to change. A key example is Margaret Atwood, who is the author of dystopian novels and also an activist for environmental justice. Well before Atwood, Charlie Chaplin created his iconic film "Modern Times," which was both fantastical and radically political. We will consider this tradition.
In a 2014 essay on "The Topics Dystopian Films Won't Touch," Imran Siddiquee noted: "While recent dystopias warn youth about over-reliance on computers, totalitarian rule, class warfare, pandemic panics and global warming, very few ask audiences to think deeply about sexism and racism." In this class, we will consider the intersection of apocalyptic, gender, race, sex, and technology, in works that do and do not directly address racial and gender justice. The course will include the artistry and politics of Charlie Chaplin, Gene Roddenberry, Prince Rogers Nelson, Octavia Butler, William Gibson, and Margaret Atwood.
Assignments will include weekly papers and regular participation.
Gender, Literature, Technology