A survey of utopian and dystopian literature and criticism.
Students will explore the genre's literary profiles, its critical
and speculative capacities, and its ethical and philosophical
implications.
Athena Title
Literature and Utopia
Prerequisite
ENGL 1102 or ENGL 1102E or ENGL 1103 or ENGL 1050H or ENGL 1060H
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will learn about the history of (Western) utopian thought.
Students will learn about the critical and speculative capacities of utopian and dystopian literature.
Students will explore the genre's literary profile and techniques. They will contextualize and analyze literary examples and will practice analyzing literary form and thinking critically about literature and culture.
Students will explore methods in literary and cultural studies.
Students will learn to read closely and think critically.
Students will practice engaging in collaborative discussion with their peers, in small groups and/or full-class discussion. They will improve their ability to express their ideas cogently and effectively.
Students will improve their abilities to argue persuasively, use textual evidence, and write vigorous prose that adheres to conventional standards of grammar and usage.
Topical Outline
Topics will vary by instructor and semester, but a typical outline could include the following:
• Terminology: Utopia, Dystopia, Heterotopia
• Utopia and Ideology
• Historical Utopias
• Literary Utopias
• The Dystopian Imagination
• Critical Dystopias
• Horizons and Possibilities
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
