Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students will establish a rigorously theorised relationship to science fiction as a major genre in contemporary artistic output and popular culture. They will learn how to think alongside and through science fiction about pertinent political, social, ecological, technological and scientific concerns. Moreover, they will be able to draw on the different variants of the science fiction genre for methodologies in their research, art projects and curatorial work.
Credits: 5
Schedule: 23.04.2021 - 28.05.2021
Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Patrizia Costantin, Bassam El Baroni
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Patrizia Costantin, Bassam El Baroni
Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):
CEFR level (applies in this implementation):
Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):
Teaching language: English
Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Why does science fiction matter? This course tackles this question through an attentive examination of the sub-genres, tropes, and characteristics of sci-fi in its deep entanglement with, and expression of the political unconscious of twenty and twenty-first century imaginaries. From the apocalyptic tendency running through sci-fi to more constructive visions and applications, science fiction leans on a specific relationship with technology and science proper. The course considers this relationship and expands to investigate manifestations of sci-fi from different parts of the world and in relation to various socio-philosophical discourses. As basic literacy in science becomes more important for developing competencies in the fields of art, curating, and beyond so does sci fi literacy in the latter’s functioning as the interpretive, critical, and philosophical organ for the former. The course introduces a broad range of sci-fi and sci-fi related literature and builds a strong connection between sci-fi and the expanded field of art and curating.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Coursework and course participation
Applies in this implementation:
MAIN ASSIGNMENT –
deadline 28 MayIn groups
1) Choose a short novel, short-story,
novel or film (related to one of the 5 macro-themes) and set up a reading/discussion group (this part of the assignment is ongoing throughout the duration
of the course and
is meant to help with the preparation of your final presentation.)2) Presentation on May 28th. In groups, present an analysis/review
(this can also be realized
in any medium, or combination of media, as you see fit) of the
short-story/book/movie you chose for the reading/discussion group. Each group
will prepare a 20-minutes presentation followed by Q&A.--------------------------------------------
WEEKLY TASKstudents to bring examples of the
topics discussed in the session (texts, artworks, exhibitions, film
extracts,...). THESE WILL FORM THE BASIS FOR OUR WEEKLY DISCUSSION ON THE
MACRO-THEMEPopulate are.na beforehand.
https://www.are.na/science-fiction-matters
Workload
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
55 hours of contact teaching, 80 hours of individual work. Requirement of all schedules activities a minimum of 80%.
DETAILS
Study Material
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Sci-Fi Readings and Theory Readings
Prerequisites
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
none
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals
4 Quality Education
5 Gender Equality
9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10 Reduced Inequality
13 Climate Action
15 Life on Land
16 Peace and Justice Strong Institutions
17 Partnerships for the Goals