Space Race - Date

Introduction

  • Professor Chow: Instructor for the course in literary studies.

  • Class Overview: Introduction to Literature and the Environment, focusing on outer space as an environment, particularly from perspectives of authors of color.

Class Structure

  • Attendance: Roll call with specific mention of new students.

  • Participation: Critical for community-building and will account for 25% of the grade. Encouragement for active involvement in class discussions.

  • Class Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 4 PM.

    • Office hours are before class from 1 to 2 PM.

Course Content

  • Readings: A variety of genres including:

    • Short stories

    • Novels

    • Graphic novels

    • Comics

    • Films

  • Genres of Interest: Primarily science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction. The course will cover themes of human and nonhuman relations, different geographies, and environmental and racial justice.

Assignments

  • Essays: Two argumentative essays (2-3 pages each).

  • Creative Projects: Opportunities to create comics or films, with flexibility in expression (songs, comics, etc.).

  • Final Project: Not a traditional exam, but an opportunity to explore personal interests in the subject matter.

Course Goals

  • Encouragement of Curiosity: Students encouraged to explore materials, even those unfamiliar with science fiction or fantasy.

  • Expectations from Students:

    • Be curious about and engaged in the material.

    • Approach the class with honesty and respect.

    • Be prepared for class discussions based on assigned readings.

Icebreaker Activities

  • Get-to-Know: Students participate in introducing themselves and sharing pet peeves to foster a comfortable classroom atmosphere.

  • Food Preferences: A fun discussion about favorite campus foods.

Course Expectations

  • Critical Discussion: Encourage specificity in comments during discussions rather than vague terms like "interesting."

  • Community Building: Importance of knowing classmates' names and engaging with their perspectives in discussions.

Readings and Discussions

  • Initial Readings: Introduction to nonfiction scholarly essays with a focus on understanding main arguments and themes.

  • Fiction Narratives: Analysis of black science fiction writers, indigenous authors, and sociocultural constructions in outer space.

Key Discussions Points

  • Moral and Ethical Considerations: Exploration of how ethical systems may differ in space versus on Earth.

  • Environmental Justice: Discussion on spinning narratives around sustainability in space exploration and environmental impacts.

Trivia and Engagement Techniques

  • Space Trivia: Fun trivia to engage students and encourage participation; example includes countries that have been to the moon.

  • Free Association Activity: Students brainstorm associations with the term "outer space" to delve into their preconceptions and biases regarding space as an environment.

Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

  • Commitment to Student Success: Encouragement for open dialogue about writing and assignments.

  • Future Themes: Preparation for upcoming discussions and analyses of space, including generational issues addressed in literature.

  • Class Preview: Continued opening of discussions on systems of values, ethical implications of space exploration, and sustainability.