ENG612: Matters of Speculation -- Theory and Science Fiction

Description and Objectives: This course is structured as an exploratory seminar on current theory of and within science fiction, relating in part to such issues as the existence/non-existence of a coherent definition for this genre and the defensive justification of science fiction that is frequently embedded in scholarly discussions of it. We will examine some characteristic tropes and narrative issues in science fiction as well as ongoing developments in this genre. Specific topics will be chosen during the course of the semester, but students will read an extensive variety of literary works, primarily from the 1960s to the present, will gain significant familiarity with a variety of cultural, theoretical, and textual approaches to this literature, and will develop their own ability to produce literary analysis and criticism of science fiction texts and contexts.

Required Materials:
Gunn, James and Candelarria, Matthew (2005). Speculations on Speculation: Theories of Science Fiction
[plus other theoretical texts, many of which will be made available electronically or placed on reserve.]
Pohl, Frederik (1976). Gateway.
Herbert, Frank (1965). Dune.
Beukes, Lauren (2009). Moxyland.
[plus other novels to be selected by the class early in the semester, and a number of short stories, which will be made available electronically or placed on reserve.UPDATE -- See below!]
Please bring to class your own hardcopy of any texts under discussion.

Work and Grading: Regular Preparatory Assignments(16%), Responsibilities Related to Leading a Class Discussion(10%), 3-4 page Author Report (8%), 3-4 page Close Reading of a Novel (8%), 3-4 page Critical Summary of a Secondary Text (8%), Final Research Presentation (10%), 15-20 page Final Research Paper (40%). Except where noted, all work must be submitted on time and in-class unless I give you permission for late submission or for an alternative submission method. (Make requests in advance when at all possible and as soon as possible in other, extraordinary circumstances.)

• The final written research project will be based on topics you choose with me after the midpoint of the semester. The full research paper will be due during finals week, as shown on the schedule below. Students presentations of substantive research for this paper will be organized as an in-class conference at the end of the semester.

Please read my course policies for additional details about grading and other issues. Note: As in all your courses, your work for this course is subject to the JMU Honor Code. If you have a question or uncertainty about how any aspect of the honor code relates to your work in this course, see me for clarification as soon as the issue arises.

Daily Schedule: The details of the schedule will be worked out as we choose topics and readings. Check for updates, especially if you miss a class. (Note that there is no class on Tuesda, January 15th, JMU's assessment day!)

ENG612, spring 2011, © JMU