Anthropology 276: Anthropology and Science Fiction (4cr)

Dr. Paul Aspelin Office: CB-147
Phone: 687-2167 or 687~2414

Introduction: Anthropology and Science Fiction both seek to expand our vision by examining either parts of our world that we know little about (in the case of Anthropology) or other worlds that only exist in our fantasies or imaginations (in the case of Science Fiction). This course examines how each proceeds in this attempt through an examination of their interrelationships in subject, vision and manner. The course involves reading and analysis of text and exegesis in both the "anthropology of science fiction" (i.e. the analysis of science fiction using anthropology) and the "science fiction of anthropology" (i.e. the creation of science fiction involving anthropological subjects and material).

Grading: There will be three exams worth 50 pts. each, combining short-essay and multiple-choice questions. Students will be expected to write one short paper (approximately 5 pages) also worth 50 points on a subject to be mutually-agreed upon. Total = 200 points.

Grades will be based on the following scale: A=90-100%; B=80-89%; C=70- 79%; D=60-69%; F=Below 60%. Plus and minus grades will be proportional as per University regulations.

Schedule:

Weeks 1 & 2: Introduction & What is Anthropology?

Readings: Sacks, O. 1993 "An Anthropologist on Mars," The New Yorker, 12/27, pp. 106-125.

Kottak, Conrad. 2003 Anthropology: The Exploration of Human Diversity. Selections TBA.

Week 3: What is Science Fiction?

Readings: Oliver, Chad. The Edge of Forever: Classic Anthropological Science Fiction. Selections TBA.

Weeks 4 & 5: The Uses of Fiction in Social Understanding

Readings: Banks, Anna and Stephen P. Banks, eds. Fiction and Social

Research... (Ethnographic Alternatives, vol. 4). Selections TBA.

First Exam

Weeks 6 & 7: Science Fiction and Human Origins

Readings: De Paolo, Charles. Human Prehistory in Fiction. Selections TBA.

Weeks 8 & 9: Science Fiction and Human Development

Readings: Russell, Miles and Douglas Adams, eds. 2002 Digging Holes in Popular Culture: Archaeology and Science Fiction. Selections TBA.

Weeks 10 & 11: Science Fiction and Language Readings: Slusser, George E. and Eric S. Rabkin, eds. 1987 Aliens: the Anthropology of Science Fiction. Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press. Selections TBA.

Second Exam

Weeks 12 & 13: Science Fiction and Culture

Reading: Mason, Carol, Martin H. Greenberg, and Patricia Warrick, eds. 1974 Anthropology Through Science Fiction. New York: St. Martin's Press. Selections TBA.

Weeks 14 & 15: Anthropology, Science Fiction and the Future

Hollinger, Veronica and Joan Gordon, eds. Edging into the Future: Science Fiction and Contemporary Cultural Transformation. Selections TBA.

Third Exam and Paper Deadline