Race, Sex and Science Fiction Afrofuturism

1 Race, Sex and Science Fiction: Afrofuturism Science Fiction and its various sub- or accompanying genres (Fantasy or Speculative Fiction for example) have from their inception been engaged in complex conversations about history, culture and politics. These conversations have been had in addition to its more conventional interests in technology, exploration and adventure. This course takes seriously the presence of issues such as race, gender, identity, the environment and others that have become increasingly foregrounded in the genre over the last hundred years or so; especially as new readers and social groups have begun to consume and engage it. Though the class will not pretend to be a complete history of the genre or a full exploration of all the issues listed here, each iteration of the class will hone in on some aspect of these cultural and political conversations and explore them. This iteration of the class will be focused on Afrofuturism, Black Science Fiction and Fantasy because the last two decades have borne witness to a remarkable increase of literary production by Black writers all over the world. These writers have rapidly become some of the most celebrated authors in the literary world, reshaping those genres and expanding readership and fandom. This interest has been paralleled by a surge of new work by Black artists in music, film, the visual arts as well as criticism and scholarship that has begun to coalesce into a growing “movement” or cultural tendency called Afrofuturism. Arguably, it becomes publicly recognized in the consciousness of mainstream culture due to the Marvel film, Black Panther as well as other works in its wake. Our class is an introduction to the various shapes that this work comes in. You will be introduced to major participants and progenitors as well as central themes and critical problems. This material will include literary texts but also scholarly, musical and artistic work. The class is also an exploration of the various historical contexts, themes and tendencies in this work as well as its cultural impact and political ramifications; so why “Afrofuturism” currently matters will be as important as where it has come from and why it has developed. Required Texts available at Barnes and Noble or via any convenient and affordable source. Ebooks are fine as library copies. Kindred. Bloodchild and Other Stories. Black God’s Drums. Aye, and Gomorrah and Other Stories. Lagoon. How Long ‘til Black Future Month? Black No More Dark Matter. Octavia Butler Octavia Butler P Djeli Clark Samuel R. Delany Nalo Hopkinson. NK Jemisin. George Schuyler Shiree Renee Thomas (ed) 2 Course requirements and expectations: The course will be held primarily in lecture format; however, much conversation will be expected. Your participation will be evaluated based on your level of engagement. It is also your responsibility to help maintain a positive, respectful environment. This is particularly important given that many of the texts feature opinions, experiences and modes of expression that range from unpopular to unconventional and may challenge you. Two short writing projects (3-4 pages); a midterm exam; and a comprehensive final. Writing projects should be emailed as a word document (not pdf) and double spaced, spell and grammar checked. Late projects will be automatically docked a half grade per day, and none will be accepted if it is more than a week overdue. Any written work you hand in should be done by you and be original. It is your responsibility to know the provisions of the Academic Conduct Code. Attendance is required, and a poor attendance record will adversely affect your grade. You are permitted one unexcused absence, but will be held responsible for all the material covered on those days. All assignments and projects must be completed to pass this class. The relative weight of each assignment is as follows: Two short writing projects=30% (15 points each). Midterm exam=20% Participation, and attendance=20% Final exam=30% You should complete all writing and reading assignments by the established due dates. I will assume that you have done the readings and conduct lectures and discussions accordingly. Much of the learning will take place in class and will involve discussions and activities that cannot be made up (films and sound recordings for example). The syllabus is merely a general guide to coursework and assignments may change over the course of the quarter. Screen/Device Policy If you are texting, updating your status, checking your e-mail, or otherwise using device(s) for purposes other than consulting the readings or taking notes, you will be asked to leave and you will be counted as absent for that day. If you choose to do your readings on a laptop or tablet, you should be prepared to talk about them without frequent visual consultation during class. You are always welcome to meet with me during office hours or by appointment.