Lit. 201: Science Fiction Syllabus

Course Rationale:
Literature 201 introduces students to the study of the history and genres within the traditional canon of Science Fiction while also focusing on the newer trends and sub-genres. Through the study of both the written and the visual texts of Science Fiction, students develop stronger analytical skills, critical thinking tools and an overall enjoyment of the genre. Through the study of Science Fiction, students will consider the social and cultural implications of various issues as Science Fiction writers often confront current societal concerns from perspectives that writers of other genres are unable to approach. While the traditional topics such as time travel, dystopian futures and space exploration will certainly be covered extensively, the students will also consider how these issues relate to our own time, making connections to issues of gender, race, economics, religion and ethics.
Literature 201 introduces students to the study of the literary texts which have greatly shaped the development of American culture. This course will examine what constitutes this tradition as specific writers and literary movements have shaped it through the study of: genre, narrative strategies, themes, metaphors and motifs, the tradition’s relationship to the other literatures of the United States, and the historical context which this literature both reflects and intervenes in. Students will become conversant with critical terminology and interpretive practices which are historically and culturally sensitive in the reading, discussion, and analysis of Science Fiction literature.

Course Outcomes: By the end of the semester, students should
=> have an understanding of the works discussed throughout the semester
=> have an understanding of the cultural background from which the works came
=> be literate in the critical terminology used to discuss literature
=> be able to critically discuss both short stories and novels.

Course Requirements:
=> A five page historical analysis paper is to be type-written before the mid-term exam. It should focus on one aspect or genre of Science Fiction. It should be a formal analysis, not a personal response. Don’t explain why you like the topic, but rather, analyze it. Avoid summary and focus on research and structure. Subjects could include time travel, alternate history, mad science, space operas, utopic or dystopic views of the future, etc. Discuss works from three time periods and include at least three secondary sources. Due February 21
=> A second five page paper will be submitted before the final exam. It should follow the same format as the first five page paper, but it should focus on a specific text. Chose a text you’ve never read (it could be a graphic novel, a collection of comic books, a picture book, a young adult novel or a classic science fiction novel) and analyze it. You need to include three secondary sources and specific references to your text. Do not summarize… analyze. Be formal and avoid a personal tone.
=> A one page explanation of the book you’ve chosen for paper 2 is due by February 2. The sooner you chose your book, the more likely the one you want will still be available. Once a book is chosen, no one else can do it. Explain why you’re interested in it and the way you plan to address it in the paper. Also include information about how you plan to research your focus.
=> There will be twelve pop quizzes throughout the semester, based on what was assigned for the day of the quiz. The lowest will be dropped.
=> There will be two essay exams: a mid-term and a final. The Mid-term is due March 8 and the Final is due April 24.
=> As a literature class, there is a lot of reading. We are covering ten novels and nine short stories. You are expected to have them read in advance of the discussions.

Course Policies:
=> Turn off all cell phones & mp3 players. Do not play with them in class. If you are seen messing around with these devices, they will be confiscated.
=> If you are absent, find out what you missed from a class mate. It is a good idea to exchange phone numbers with people for this purpose.
=> Lap Top computers may be used, but only for course purposes.
=> All work must be typed (with a font size of 10-12 and in Times New Roman typeface), double spaced, stapled and complete, following the standard MLA format. E-Mail submissions of assignments will not be accepted.

Department Participation and Attendance Policy:
=> Students enrolled in English Department classes are expected to participate in daily interactive activities. They will, for example, routinely discuss reading assignments, write in class on impromptu topics, participate in collaborative activities, or engage in peer review of drafts. Students who miss these activities cannot reasonably make them up. As a result, students who do not participate regularly should expect to receive lower grades in the course, and students who miss more than the equivalent of two weeks of class should consider withdrawing and taking the class in a future semester. Students who know that other commitments will make it impossible to attend at certain times (early mornings, nights, Fridays) should enroll in classes that do not meet at these times.

Plagiarism: This is the act of using a source (a quote, a fact, or a paraphrase) without properly citing the information (i.e. giving credit where it is due). This is often done accidentally, without knowing how to properly cite things. The conventions will be covered throughout the semester so as to take care of this problem.

Course Supplies:
=>The novels listed on the course calendar are available at the books stores around campus like Mike’s and Ned’s.
=> You will also need Masterpieces: The Best Science Fiction of the 20th Century, an anthology edited by Orson Scott Card.

Grading: There are a total of 1000 points throughout the semester 1000 points
=> The 5 page papers are worth 200 points each
=> The 1 book explanation paper is worth 50 points
=> Quizzes are worth ten points each, but the lowest will be dropped (110 points)
=> The mid-term is worth 200 points
=> The final is worth 200 points
=> Participation is worth 40 points

EMU Writing Support:
The University Writing Center (115 Halle Library) offers one-to-one writing consulting for both undergraduate and graduate students. Students can make appointments or drop in between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays. One-to-one consulting is also available in the Student Success Center in the First-Year Complex from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. Students should bring a draft of what they’re working on and their assignment.
The UWC also offers small group workshops on various topics related to writing (e.g., Strategies for Successful College Reading; Peer Review; Revising and Editing Your Writing). Descriptions of all UWC workshops will be posted at www.emich.edu/english/writing-center by mid-September. Workshops are offered at various times Monday through Friday in the UWC. To register for a workshop, click the "Register" link from the UWC page.
The Academic Projects Center (116 Halle Library) offers one-to-one consulting for students on writing, research, or technology-related issues. No appointment is required – students can just drop in. The APC is open 11-5 Monday-Thursday. Additional information about the APC can be found at http://www.emich.edu/apc.
Students visiting the Academic Projects Center should bring with them a draft of what they’re working on and their assignment sheet.

Course Schedule
January 10 Introduction
January 12 Mary Shelley: Frankenstein (the 1818 edition)
January 17 Frankenstein continued
January 19 Frankenstein continued
January 24 H. G. Wells: The Time Machine
January 26 The Time Machine continued
January 31 Edgar Rice Burroughs: A Princess of Mars
February 2 A Princess of Mars continued; Book Choice Paper Due
February 7 The Golden Age: Robert Heinlein: “Áll You Zombies” PP 36-46 in Masterpieces
February 9 Paper 1 Due; Isaac Asimov: “Robot Dreams” PP 91-96 in Masterpieces; Arthur C. Clarke: “The Nine Billion Names of God” PP 110-115 in Masterpieces
February 14 George Orwell: 1984
February 16 1984 continued
February 21 The New Wave: Frederick Pohl: “The Tunnel Under the World” PP 177-202 in Masterpieces, Paper 1 DueFebruary 23 Harlan Ellison: “’Repent, Harlequin’ Said the Ticktockman” PP145-155 in Masterpieces; Ursula K. Le Guin: “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” PP 212-217 in Masterpieces
March 6 Phillip K. Dick: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
March 8 Do Androids Dream… continued; Mid Term Due
March 13 Ursula K. Le Guin: The Lathe of Heaven
March 15 The Lathe of Heaven continued
March 20 William Gibson: Neuromancer
March 22 Neuromancer continued
March 27 Octavia Butler: Kindred
March 29 Kindred continued
April 3 The Media Generation: Terry Bisson: “Bears Discover Fire” PP 375-383 in Masterpieces; George Alec Effinger: “One” PP 408-422 in Masterpieces
April 5 Paper 2 Due; George R. R. Martin: “Sandkings PP 243-275 in MasterpiecesApril 10 Margaret Atwood: The Handmaid’s Tale
April 12 The Handmaid’s Tale continued
April 17 Dexter Palmer: The Dream of Perpetual Motion
April 19 The Dream of Perpetual Motion continued
April 24 Final Exam 11:30-1:00