Policies:
Discussion: The class encourages dialogue based on mutual respect, a willingness to listen, and tolerance of differing points of view. I hope that all of us can assume the good faith of those present and engage one another with intensity but also compassion, patience, and understanding.
Fair Warning: Some of the material in this course could be disturbing or disagreeable to some people. SF often works allegorically, making connections to political controversies of its day. Not surprisingly, texts for this course sometimes imagine explicit violence, alternative religions, social and environmental catastrophe, and unfamiliar bodies and biology. No major requires the course, so no one has to take it. Those enrolled, however, must do the required work, even if they sometimes find the material unpleasant or objectionable.
All percentages for grade calculation are approximate rather than mathematically precise. I will take into account the particular strengths (and, if necessary, weaknesses) of individuals in arriving at final grades. There may be some modifications to the syllabus over the course of the semester, so always consult the online version rather than a printed one. These changes won’t involve any significant increase in the amount of work.
Bring Hard Copies of Readings to Class: It will generally be very helpful to have the readings for the day in class with you. On some days, you’ll work in small groups on some of these readings. If we’re talking about a book, bring it to class. If the reading is online or on eres, please print it for our class meeting. While we may not cover every reading in every class, it will be a good practice to have them handy.
No Laptops or other Portable Devices in Class: Other than on days you’re presenting work to the class, you won’t need to have a laptop in class. I’ve tried allowing students to regulate their use of such devices for years, and it’s been a failure. It matters less to me whether individuals distract themselves from the class and much more when surfing, texting, and checking email distracts others and fosters a broader disengagement. I will not feel obliged to remind students about this policy or to ask that devices be put away over the course of the semester, but use of such devices in class will lead to a marking down of your final grade.
If you have a particular and pressing need to use such devices, please discuss that with me and we’ll try to work something out.
Failure to complete any required assignment will lead to failure in the class.
ADA Office: Students who have Letters of Accommodation in this class are encouraged to contact me as early in the semester as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. For those without Letters of Accommodation, assistance is available to eligible students through Student Accessibility Services. Please contact Jodi Litchfield or Courtney Cioffredi, the ADA Coordinators, for more information: Michelle Audette can be reached at maudette@middlebury.edu or 802-443-2169 and Jodi Litchfield can be reached at litchfie@middlebury.edu or 802-443-5936. All discussions will remain confidential.
Honor Code/Honesty: Middlebury has an honor code. It’s the responsibility of all students to be aware of and abide by it.
Requirements:
1) Your presence, preparation, and thoughtful participation are crucial to the class. Many of the readings and movies aim to be controversial or incite strong responses, so embrace that provocation and come prepared to talk about it. I will occasionally call on students to comment on particular images, passages and other material, not to single anyone out but because we should be interested in what everyone has to say. (25%)
2) A Recording of a brief Alien-Invasion Monologue. Write and record a brief invasion narrative. It should be between 250-500 words (1 or 2 pages). Feel free to use whatever effects you choose, if you’re interested in doing so, but you don’t have to do that. Email the recording to me or share it via Google Drive by 8:30 am on the day the work is due. (Included in Participation)
3) Papers. Over the course of the semester, you’ll have 2 papers of 5-6 pp. each. They need to be completed on time. Late papers will be marked down a ½ grade per day. (40% of final grade)
4) Group Presentations. Once during the semester, everyone within a small group will work to lead a discussion/presentation on a recent (post-2000) SF movie relevant to the course. A broad topic and lists of possible films appear on the syllabus. The presentations should be detailed and think about the visual language of the films, about HOW they compose shots, cuts and editing, and other details. You’ll want to make specific observations about how the films build emotional responses and make meaning. We’ll figure out who is in which group schedule in the first or second week of class, once enrollments are settled. You should submit a short written summary, outline, or notes (one page is fine) of your work on this project. (15% of final grade).
5) Four brief blog entries of a paragraph or two on the course site. Two posts should appear before mid-term break and two after. They should be about material for the next class meeting and appear at least 90 minutes before the relevant class. Make an effort to pay attention to what others have said on the blog before you, either by responding directly or raising related subjects. At times, these posts will become part of in-class discussion. In general, I’ll post a question to start discussion, but if you want to post before I’ve done that, feel absolutely free to start the thread yourself. In some ways, that’s better anyway. To post click “New” at the top of the page and then “Post” in the dropdown. All posts will appear on the Comments page. (Included in Participation)
5) Final Project: A final essay or project in another medium synthesizing a range of course material. About 8-10 pages or the equivalent in another form. (20%)