Each student is expected to have a copy of the above texts and is required to bring his or her text to class daily. No sharing, borrowing, etc. Coming to class without a text will be cause for dismissal.
Since man first set words to print he began to create stories concerning an apocalypse. In this course, we will examine the contemporary ideas surrounding the dangerous directions our culture has taken and the consequences which potentially result from our actions. This is not just a look at a variety of science fiction works dealing with future societal disasters and end of the world scenarios but a course that looks at a series of serious speculative novels. In particular we will examine issues of morality, cultural values, questions of identity, including what it means to be human and what it means to be human in the face of life-altering, potentially life-ending crises.
Aug. 25: Introduction to the Course
Film or video
27: Duprau, Jeanne , City of Ember, 1st half
Sept. 01: Duprau, Jeanne , City of Ember, 2nd half
Sept. 3: Stewart, George R., Earth Abides, 3-76
07: Labor Day (No Classes)
08: Stewart, George R., Earth Abides, 76-146
10: Stewart, George R., Earth Abides, 147-207
15: Stewart, George R., Earth Abides, 208-278
17: Stewart, George R., Earth Abides, 278-end
22: Film: Omega Man or I Am Legend
Matheson, Richard, I Am Legend, 13-97
24: Matheson, Richard, I Am Legend, 97-170
29: Frank, Pat. Alas, Babylon, 1-80
Oct. 01: Frank, Pat. Alas, Babylon, 81-160
06: Frank, Pat. Alas, Babylon, 160-240
08: Frank, Pat. Alas, Babylon, 240-end
12-13: Fall Break
15: Midterm
20: Short Fiction: Beyond Armaggedon selections
22: Short Fiction: Beyond Armaggedon selections
27: Graphic Novel: Moore, Alan, Watchmen. Issues 1-6
29: Graphic Novel: Moore, Alan, Watchmen, Issues 7-12
Nov. 03: Gibson, William, Neuromancer, 1-70
05: Gibson, William, Neuromancer, 71-149
10: Gibson, William, Neuromancer, 150-223
12: Gibson, William, Neuromancer, 224-end
17: Dick, Philip K. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, 1-105
Film: Blade Runner
19: Dick, Philip K. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, 105- end
24: McCarthy, Cormac, The Road, 3-95
25-27: Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 01: McCarthy, Cormac, The Road, 95-192
03: McCarthy, Cormac, The Road. 193-end
Dec. 7-11: Final Exams
Midterm (20%)--100 pts.
Final Exam (20%)- 100 pts.
Two longer analytical essays (20% each)--200 pts
Participation, including in-class writing and quizzes (20%)--100 pts
Grading:
Scale:*A=90-100% *B=80-89% *C=70-79%
*D=60-69%
A= 460-500
A-= 450-459
B+= 435-449
B= 410-434
B-= 400-409
C+= 385-399
C= 360-384
C-= 350-359
D+= 335-349
D= 310-334
D-= 300-309
The attendance policy for this course is the same as the university policy in the University Catalog and the Student Handbook. Thus if you miss three or more times your grade may be reduced. Tardies will count as absences after roll is taken or unless I'm notified beforehand. No quizzes will be given out to those who come late.
Students are expected to live by the Longwood University Honor Code. All work done for the class must be pledged. Your instructor will not tolerate any form of cheating. You are expected to know what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid it. All ideas taken from sources, whether in texts or online, must be cited. Remember that your instructor also has access to these materials and they are easy to track on-line. Any student caught plagiarizing will automatically fail the course and his/her name will be forwarded to the Honor Board.
Students are expected to make regular and significant contributions to class discussion. Your grade in this regard will be based upon both daily contributions during the semester and taking the lead in guiding class discussion for at least one class.
90-100% |
Student is well prepared and enthusiastically participates in all class activities; is very considerate and cooperative with the rest of the class; asks questions and responds to questions; demonstrates knowledge of course materials; consistently practices critical thinking; actively helps to create a vibrant learning community. |
80-89% |
Student is generally prepared and willing to participate in class activities; is relatively cooperative with the rest of the class; asks questions and responds to questions most of the time; makes an inconsistent effort to refer to readings and course topics; generally practices critical thinking; helps to create a vibrant learning community. |
70-79% |
Student is often unprepared and reluctantly or sporadically participates in class activities; often does not ask questions or respond to questions; rarely makes an effort to demonstrate knowledge of course materials; rarely practices critical thinking; does not show much interest in creating a vibrant learning community. |
60-69% |
Student is generally unprepared, unwilling to participate in class activities and unable to answer questions; does not formulate questions or responses; demonstrates little understanding of course materials; does not practice critical thinking; distracts from the creation of a vibrant learning community. |
0-59% |
Student is absent (physically or mentally), unprepared, inattentive, uncooperative or disruptive in class. |
All papers are due on the date assigned at the beginning of class. Late papers will not be accepted. No exceptions. Learning to handle your workload and deal with deadlines is a part of life.
My office hours are posted and I will be available during these times. If you need to see me and these times are not convenient, please feel free to schedule a conference for some other mutually agreeable time.
In the event of classes being cancelled, students are expected to keep up with the reading.