Descriptif
Contrary to what many people assume, science fiction is less about new technologies, faraway planets, or the distant future, than about what it means to be human. It differs from mainstream literature and other genres, however, in how it asks this question from an imagined non-human, transhuman, or posthuman perspective. In approaching the genre from this perspective, we will read stories by Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, and Philip K. Dick. We will also examine films such as Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Blade Runner, Alien, Matrix, and others. This body of literature and cinema will be placed in its social and historical context, as we trace the links between science fiction and the western literary and artistic tradition from antiquity to the 20th century.
Objectifs pédagogiques
By the end of the semester, you should be able to make an informed response to the following questions:
What is science fiction? What does it have in common with related genres, such as fantasy and horror? What makes it distinctive?
- What are the major tropes and conventions of science fiction?
- What are its primary themes? How does SF treat these themes differently from mainstream literature?
- Who are the major authors in SF? What are the major works in both literature and cinema? What are the cultural, political and historical contexts of these works?
- How does science contribute to SF and SF to science?
- Cours de Langues : 15
Diplôme(s) concerné(s)
- Master 1 Parisien de Recherche Opérationnelle
- Diplôme d'Ingénieur de l'Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Techniques Avancées
UE de rattachement
- Anglais 2A_S2 : Anglais 2A_S2
Format des notes
Numérique sur 20Littérale/grade européenPour les étudiants du diplôme Master 1 Parisien de Recherche Opérationnelle
Pour les étudiants du diplôme Diplôme d'Ingénieur de l'Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Techniques Avancées
Le rattrapage est autoriséLe coefficient de l'UE est : 1
L'UE est évaluée par les étudiants.
Programme détaillé
Skills focus
You will develop and practice all five linguistic skills: oral and written comprehension, speaking, writing, and interacting.
Activities
- This course will be taught in the manner of an American university seminar, which means that much of its content and focus will be determined with the active input of the students.
- A typical class will consist of the screening, analysis, and group discussion of a film or text.
- Debate will be encouraged.
- Assigned readings will not exceed 10 pages per week.
Assessment
- Class preparation and participation are mandatory.
- Working in groups of two or three, you will prepare a short video. This may be an analysis of a work of your choice or a relevant theme, a review, or a work of original fiction.
- There will also be a short in-class writing assignment.