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Chuck Etheridge, Associate Professor of English
Department of English
College of Liberal Arts
Email:  charles.etheridge@tamucc.edu
Phone: 825-5755
Office:  FC 287
Office Hours:  9-10, 11-12 MWF (and by appointment; I'm in my office a LOT more than my office hours, so just call)

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English 4354.001
Science Fiction

Texts:


Asimov, Isaac.  The Caves of Steel
LeGuin, Ursula K.  The Left Hand of Darkness
Bradley, Marian Zimmer.  Thendara House.
Williams, Walter Jon. Hardwired. 
Sterling, Bruce.  Holy Fire.
Butler, Octavia.  Fledgling.
Moon, Elizabeth.  Victory Conditions.


Description

Speculative fiction (SF, Gothic or Horror, and Fantasy) is one of the oldest kinds of literature.  Since humans have been imagining, they have asked the question, "What if . . . "  Authors have been imagining new worlds, new peoples, new societies, and new technologies, for a variety of reasons.  Sometimes, an author will want to explore the possible consequences of a course of action:  "What if we keep on what we're doing?"  Sometimes, people want to comment on current conditions in their own society but create a "filter" or alternate setting to discuss current issues, as Isaac Asimov did when he asked the question, "What if robots decided they were better than humans and began to practice racism against humans?"  Sometimes, a write just wants to wonder what's out there, asking, "What if there is life in other galaxies?  What would it be like?"  Often, works of speculative fiction are some of the most read and popular books a society produces.

This course is going to look at one type of speculative fiction, Science Fiction, which I will refer to as "SF" (not Sci Fi, a horrible word coined by people who don't read it).  Despite its roots in imagination, SF centers around extrapolation--projecting a current societal condition, human concern, or technological idea and exploring what the consequences could be (the first SF novel was Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, which asked the question, "What if technology fundamentally changes the nature of humanity?"  SF deals with the possible, or at least the theoretically possible. 

The TAMUCC Undergraduate Catalog description of this course is, "A thematic study of representative works in the genre."  This is exactly what this course will do.  We will explore some of the major themes of contemporary SF--population growth, gender, the ways a new environment can fundamentally change who we are as human beings, the effect of technology on human kind, and intimations of immortality, or, at least, what would happen if we developed the capacity to live forever.  Along the way, we'll read very contemporary updates to old fashioned ideas such as the vampire novel and the space opera (military SF).  So strap in and come along through a ride through literature-land that will be unlike anything you've ever taken before. 


Student Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, students will:

Grades
Daily Work                         20%
Presentation                        15%
Short Analyses                    40% (2x20%)
Longer Thematic Study        25%



A         90-100
B          80-89
C         70-79
D         60-69
F          below 60

Course Requirements:



Presentation: 

Working as an individual, you will need to research some aspect of one of the authors or novels we are reading.   If you do a bio/critical introduction, you will go on the first day we read that author, and you'll talk about the major events in that authors life, her or his development as an author, and her or his significance to the genre.  If you choose one of the theme that novel is centered on, you'll go on the last day we discuss that novel, and you will examine that theme, not only in the novel but in the genre of SF as a whole, brining in references to other works the class should know.  If you want to discuss some aspect of one of the novels we are reading, you'll provide an in-depth discussion.  Presentations should be 15 minutes long (the time is firm), should include some well-chosen visual rhetoric to demonstrate your points, and should have at least one component in which the class is involved in a meaningful way.  If you make a power point, turn your back to the class, and read it aloud, neither I nor your classmates will look on this favorably.  Presentations will be assigned on the first day of class.  In all cases, your presentations should be well researched and planned and should rest on good, accurate information (I mention this specifically because there are a lot of "fan sites" of questionable value concerning most SF writers).  


Short Analyses

Your first two essays will be short (3-5) page analysis of some aspect of one of the works we have read to up to that point.  You will choose some aspect of the novel, analyze it thoroughly, and provide a carefully reasoned analysis of some aspect of that novel  You could analyze a character, look for a theme, explore imagery or metaphor, etc.  Papers should have a clear focus or main point, and supporting detail should be provided in the form of direct quotations handled in MLA format.  Some secondary sources are appropriate, but should be used judiciously as I'm most concerned with your analysis and interpretation.  Papers should done in MS word or a similar program, with 12 point Times New Roman font, normal margins, and double spaced. 

Thematic Study

 The Thematic Study is a longer (8-12 page) of one of the major themes in the course.  You will need to do come research about that theme and why it is considered important in the field of SF studies.  You should use at least two primary texts, either from this course or (perhaps) one from this course and another SF work we have not read.  You will need to do outside research that is incorporated into your analysis.  Your essay should have a clearly stated main point, proposition, or theme with supporting arguments.  In addition, your essay should refer to at least two of the texts covered in this course.  Feel free to draw in relevant historical, political, or cultural examples to enhance your point.  Please schedule individual conference with me during the month of November so we can discuss your ideas and your progress towards completing this assignment.  A prospectus/paper proposal is due November 12th.  Papers should done in MS word or a similar program, with 12 point Times New Roman font, normal margins, and double spaced.  Citation should be done in the MLA format.

 Daily Grades

Because this course is discussion-centered, your preparation, attendance, and active participation are crucial to the quality of class work and the success of the course.  Be prepared to participate in a variety of ways:  in-class writing, small group work, taking charge of a portion of discussion, responding to the contributions questions of your peers, and some flat-out "did you read" objective questions.  Daily work may NOT be made up or turned in late for ANY reason. In-class work will be awarded points on the following basis:           

0 points - You weren't in class, and we missed you
1 point - You were present but were not prepared
2 points -You wrote or spoke in a way that showed you had read the material
3 points - You wrote or spoke in a way that showed you had read and thought carefully about the material
4 points - You wrote or spoke in a profound way about the material

Course Policies:

Attendance and Tardy Policy

You need to make every reasonable effort to attend every class. I realize this will not always be possible. Three types of absences may be excused:  illness, personal emergency, and school business. If you are ill enough to miss class, you are ill enough to seek medical attention, and your illness will be excused when I receive some sort of medical documentation. If you have some sort of personal emergency, such as an illness or death in the family, please notify student affairs and they will arrange for you to make up any missed work. If you miss because of school business (band trip, athletic event, etc.), please let me know before you leave so that you will not return from your trip behind in your school work.

NOTE:  If you accumulate two absences that are unexcused, I reserve the right to penalize your grade up to and including failure of the course. If you miss four or more classes without reasonable explanation, you run the risk of failing.

Tardies: This is a 10:00 class.  What are you going to do--oversleep?  Don't be late.  If you come after class starts, you will be considered tardy. Two tardies count as an unexcused absence.

Late Work: Daily work cannot be turned in late for any reason. I will not accept late papers or projects unless you have talked to me in advance of the due date about an extension. Makeup exams will only be given in extraordinary situations that are discussed with me in advance. No late work will be accepted for any reason after the final exam.

Extra Credit and Make-Up Assignments: If you miss class, you can make up the related daily points by writing a review of a poetry or fiction reading, play, lecture, art exhibit, or other cultural event related in some meaningful way to multicultural America. If you miss no classes, you may write such a review for extra credit points. During the semester, I will announce these events as I hear of them. If you know of others, please tell the rest of us. The first step is to attend such a reading, play, or lecture. Then compose a brief summary of the event in which you describe what happened (or what you saw) with details. Finally, give your thoughtful opinion of the event: Was any particular part of the event moving, brilliant, or clever? What was it like to be there? What was important or significant about the event? What did you learn? The review should be 1-2 pages (typed, double-spaced) and is due to me no later than 3 weekdays after the event. Reviews will be evaluated on a 4-point scale: 4 is for a detailed, specific, and insightful review; 3 is the score I will award most often; 2 is for reviews that are pretty vague; and 0 to  is the score you will earn if I'm not sure you even attended the event. You may hand in no more than two reviews during the semester. Daily work cannot be made up in any other way for any reason. No reviews will be accepted after the final exam.  Hint:  You may  be able to assure an evaluation score higher than a 0 or 1 if you are able to attach to your review an event ticket, program, brochure or other paraphernalia demonstrating your attendance. 

Academic Honesty: I will follow the policy that appears in the university catalog.  Plagiarism, which is “the presentation of work of another as one's own work” is only one form of academic dishonesty, which also includes falsification (the intentional alteration of information), fabrication (the intentional invention of information), multiple submission (using the same material for two separate assignments or courses without permission from the instructors), and abuse of academic materials (the intentional destruction of resource materials).  Sometimes students commit unintentional plagiarism (not citing sources properly, for example) because they are unaware of the standards that apply.  If you are unsure of how to document or properly use information, please check with me WELL BEFORE THE PAPER IS DUE. Also, know that I have some heavy-duty anti-plagiarism web applications, so you'll probably get caught.   If you have questions or doubts about what constitutes a breach of integrity, a violation of policies or a proper citation, it is important that you consult with me. The SMALLEST penalty you will get if you are caught is a zero on the project; you could, potentially fail the course, and, if you have plagiarized in other classes, you may face disciplinary action by the university. 

I only feel it fair to notice that this issue is something the university is "Hot and Bothered" about right now, and that, if we suspect something, we are now REQUIRED to notify the administration.  This isn't something we can keep "in house" any more. 

All of this can be avoided simply by doing your own work to the best of your ability.


Writing Center

The Writing Center of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi provides free help for students at any stage in the writing process.  Writing center consultants are trained to work with writers one-on-one to help them find ideas, organize their thoughts, cite sources, and succeed at all aspects of the writing task.  The writing center works closely with faculty across campus to understand the writing projects they assign and to help students meet the expectations of those assignments.  The writing center is located in the Glasscock building. Both drop-in and scheduled appointments are available. More information is available at http://critical.tamucc.edu/wiki/WC/Home.

Academic Advising

The College of Arts and Humanities requires that students meet with an Academic Advisor as soon as they are ready to declare a major. The Academic Advisor will set up a degree plan, which must be signed by the student, a faculty mentor, and the department chair. The College's Academic Advising Center is located in Driftwood 203E, and can be reached at 825-3466.

Grade Appeal Process

As stated in University Rule 13.02.99.C2, Student Grade Appeals, a student who believes that he or she has not been held to appropriate academic standards as outlined in the class syllabus, equitable evaluation procedures, or appropriate grading, may appeal the final grade given in the course. The burden of proof is upon the student to demonstrate the appropriateness of the appeal. A student with a complaint about a grade is encouraged to first discuss the matter with the instructor. For complete details, including the responsibilities of the parties involved in the process and the number of days allowed for completing the steps in the process, see University Rule 13.02.99.C2, Student Grade Appeals, and University Procedure 13.02.99.C2.01, Student Grade Appeal Procedures. These documents are accessible through the University Rules Web site at http://www.tamucc.edu/provost/university_rules/index.html. For assistance and/or guidance in the grade appeal process, students may contact the Office of Student Affairs

Students with Disabilities

Notice to Students with Disabilities: Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act in making reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. If you suspect that you may have a disability (physical impairment, learning disability, psychiatric disability, etc.), please contact the Services for Students with Disabilities Office, located in Driftwood 101, at 825-5816. If you need disability accommodations in this class, please see me as soon as possible.

Reminder to English Majors

As part of the English undergraduate capstone course (ENGL 4351), all English majors are required to submit a portfolio of writings in different discourse genres that they have completed for their college classes. To help you prepare for this assignment, you should keep a copy of all essays, research papers, literary analyzes, creative and report writing, etc., so that you will have an ample selection from which to choose when the portfolio comes due.

A Note on Reading Assignments: Readings must be completed by the date noted. Some of the readings are lengthy. To avoid falling behind, you will need to determine how much time you require to get the reading done and build that time into your schedule.  It is a good idea to use the weekends (and class days without reading assignments) to get ahead in your reading.

Tentative Course Schedule

August
25
Introduction to the course; exploration of extrapolation; assign presentation and first paper topics.  Film:  Children of Men (COM).

27
Kurt Vonnegut.  "Harrison Bergeron."  Hand Out.  Film:  COM

30
Jose Bernardo Adolph.  "Nosotros No."  (You can either read it in Spanish or make do with my English translation)  Film:  COM.
September
 1
 The Way the Future Was, Overpopulation, and Dystopias Isaac Asimov, The Caves of Steel (COS), Chaps. 1-4.

3
 or COS Ch. 5-8.

6
 What if the future looks a lot like the present? Labor Day.  No Class Scheduled.

8
 or COS Ch. 9-12.

10
 "Hard" Science Fiction COS Ch. 12-16.

13
Finish COS. 

15
 Intergalactic Empire Ursula K. LeGuin, The Left Hand of Darkness (LHOD), Ch. 1-4

17
 or LHOD Ch. 5-7.

20
 Gendered SF LHOD Ch. 8-11

22
 or LHOD Ch. 12-15

24
 "Soft" Science Fiction (Sociological Extrapolation" LHOD Ch. 16-19

27
Finish LHOD.

29
 Cyberpunk Walter Jon Williams, HardWired , Ch. 1-3
October
 1
 or Hardwired Ch. 4-7.

4
 The Merger of Humanity with Machinery Hardwired Ch. 8-13.  Short Analysis #1 Due.

6
 or Hardwired Ch. 14-19.

8
 "Literary" Science Fiction Finish Hardwired.

11
 What are the consequences of prolonging human life?
Bruce Sterling, Holy Fire (HF) Part 1.

13
 or HF Part 2.

15
 What if the Baby Boomers never die?  Immortality 101. HF Part 3.

18
 or HF Part 4.

20
 "Slipstream" or Near Future SF HF Part 5.

22
HF Part 6.

25
 Environmental SF Marion Zimmer Thendara House (TH) Bradley Part I Ch 1-4.

27
 or
 TH I Ch. 5-7

29
 "Cultural" SF TH II Ch. 1-2
November
 1
 or TH II Ch. 3-5

3
 Darkover, SF TH III Ch. 1-2 

5
 or TH III Ch. 3-4.

8
 Is this actually a Fantasy Novel? Finish TH.  Short Analysis #2 Due.

10
 Medical "Advances" and Genetic Modification Octavia Butler, Fledgling Ch. 1-7.

12
 or Fledgling 8-13.  Prospectus for Thematic study due.

15
 The Modern Vampire Novel   Fledgling 14-20.

17
 or Fledgling 21-6.

19
 African-American SF Finish Fledgling.

22
 Military SF
 Elizabeth Moon.  Victory Conditions (VC) Ch. 1-4.

24
 or
 VC Ch. 5-9.

26
Thanksgiving

29
 Space Opera
 VC 10-13.

1
 or
 VC 14-18.

3
 What if corporations really ran the universe?
 VC 19-21.

6
Finish VC.
NOTE:  Your thematic study is due by 3 pm on Friday, December 10th.



Electronics Policies
Cell phones must be turned off and put away during class time.  While we're on the subject of technology, note that you may not "record" any class, either in an audio or visual format, without the instructor's permission.    I'll likely give it, but you do need to ask.  Use of laptops and notebooks should be sparing, specifically only for the purpose of taking notes.  And, although I don't like to have to say this, if you are e-mailing or on any social networking software during class, you'll be counted absent that day.
 

In Conclusion

SF is the genre that made me love to read, so I promise great enthusiasm.  This should be a worthwhile and even enjoyable class. You can count on me to do three things. I will read everything you have to, so depending on the author, we will either enjoy or suffer together. I will endeavor to make class as interesting and as stimulating as possible. Finally, I am here to help you, but I cannot do so unless you let me know when you need help.  Communicate.
 

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