Syllabus – keep handy for reference
Dr. Aeon J. Skoble
341 Tillinghast, x2460 Email: askoble@bridgew.edu Web: http://webhost.bridgew.edu/askoble
Office hours: M 10-11, T,TH
1:45-2:45, or by appointment
Texts:
The Philosophy of Science Fiction Film, Steven M. Sanders, ed. (Univ. Press of
Additional
readings to be distributed in class or via web
For
film viewings, you can either (a) borrow them from your local public library,
(b) rent them at Blockbuster or from Netflix, or (c) buy them at Amazon
Overview and objectives:
Science fiction can be
defined as that branch of literature, and by extension cinema, which deals with the effects of
science or technology on the human condition, or which explore the human
condition via science (including via utopian or dystopian future
societies). Science fiction allows for imaginative, yet carefully
thought-out, alternative realities, and raises a number of philosophical questions
and themes, including the paradoxes of time travel, enigmas of personal
identity, the implications of advanced technology and artificial intelligence,
and the meaning of life. Human nature,
ethics, and politics may also be explored.
This colloquium will examine
ways in which science fiction illuminates many important philosophical issues,
with an eye towards both enhancing the scope of the students’ exposure to and
appreciation of the genre and its roots, and also towards instilling curiosity
about the philosophical dimensions of the genre.
Requirements:
This is a one-credit
class. We will meet once a week to
discuss the readings, and you will write an 8-10 page paper on a topic to be
determined later by mutual agreement, which is due December 1st. In our final meeting, December 8th,
we will discuss the papers.
Required film viewings: Frankenstein
(both the 1931 and the 1994 versions),
Forbidden Planet (1956), The Day the
Earth Stood Still (1951) , Invasion
of the Body Snatchers (both the 1956 and 1978 versions), Total Recall (1990), The
Matrix (first film only, 1999) , The
Terminator (first film only, 1984),
12 Monkeys(1995) , 2001: A Space
Odyssey (1968) , Blade Runner (original
theatrical release only, 1982) , 1984 (1984
version) , possibly others. You must watch the films prior to the day
they are scheduled to be discussed, as well as completing any assigned
readings.
General Outline:
Sept 8 – intro to topic;
opening discussion of science fiction; Frankenstein
Sept 15 - Forbidden Planet
Sept 22 - The Day the
Earth Stood Still
Sept 29 – Invasion of the
Body Snatchers
Oct 6 - Total Recall
and The Matrix
Oct 13- college holiday, no
class
Oct 20 - 2001: A Space
Odyssey
Oct 27 - The Terminator
and 12 Monkeys
Nov 3 - Blade Runner
Nov 10 - 1984
Nov 17 - TBA
Nov 24 - TBA
Dec 1 - Papers due; final
discussion of readings
Dec 8 - discussion of student
papers