In Spring 2024, the USU English Department will offer English 2130, taught by Lecturer Russ Winn, which will focus on analyzing science fiction.  

Science fiction constantly struggles with the idea of what it means to be human. Do we define humanity as the ability to create and advance through technology? Or is humanity defined by the conquest and domination of people and places? In this course, students will consider different definitions of humanity through the lens of science, technology, and bodily autonomy, among other things. The texts will investigate large questions. Parable of the Talents, for example, asks us to imagine what it means to be human while Earth is ravaged by climate catastrophe; Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep asks what it means to be human when it’s impossible to distinguish an AI replica from a human being. Students will use comparative analysis, personal and external interpretations, and humanistic traditions to identify questions that cut not only across a text’s history, but that grasp at the core truths of what it means to be human. 

Russ has read sci-fi since he was 8 years-old, and he's excited to take students on a journey of readings, film, and television as we ask fundamental questions about the nature of reality, humanity, and the universe.