Since the beginning of the 20th century, dystopian fiction appears to be everywhere. Its function, to serve as a warning of a potentially negative future, means the contents adapt to mirror contemporary problems as they can be observed in the real world. Therefore, it serves as a means to show social and political issues in a realm of fiction to help gain a deeper understanding of contemporary culture in a way that might even inspire action. For example, in current times certain events have inspired comparisons to the fictional dystopian world Gilead from The Handmaid’s Tale.
In this course we will start by defining the concept of dystopian fiction and tracing its history.
Furthermore, we will analyse different works of dystopian fiction such as Fahrenheit 451, The Handmaid’s Tale, and The Lathe of Heaven by looking at narrative structure, characters, and plot but also the themes of the novels involved such as civil rights, knowledge distribution, and personal autonomy.
In order to obtain credits you will either have to write a thesis paragraph, do a moderation, or a presentation, as well as write an essay. Participation, regular attendance, and reading the texts will be expected.
Please purchase a copy of the following novels:
Fahrenheit 451 – Bradbury, Ray
The Handmaid’s Tale – Atwood, Margaret
The Lathe of Heaven – K. Le Guin, Ursula
A reader with relevant theoretical texts and short stories will be made available on digicampus.
Anmelderegeln
Diese Veranstaltung gehört zum Anmeldeset "ALW/ELW/NELK: Vertiefungsmodul BA/LA: Ü".
Folgende Regeln gelten für die Anmeldung:
Die Anmeldung ist möglich von 06.09.2021, 08:00 bis 11.10.2021, 18:00.
Diese Regel gilt von 06.09.2021 08:00 bis 11.10.2021 18:00. Die Anmeldung zu maximal 2 Veranstaltungen des Anmeldesets ist erlaubt.
Es wird eine festgelegte Anzahl von Plätzen in den Veranstaltungen verteilt.
Die Plätze in den betreffenden Veranstaltungen wurden am 13.10.2021 um 18:00 verteilt. Weitere Plätze werden evtl. über Wartelisten zur Verfügung gestellt.
