Queer Robotics: Cyborgs in Science Fiction & Anthropology
SISP 342
Fall 2019
| Section:
01
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| Crosslisting:
FGSS 342 |
| Course Cluster: Asian American Studies, Queer Studies |
What do representations of robots and cyborgs in popular film, sci-fi literature, and cultural anthropology tell us about gender, sexuality, race, and what it means to be "human"? In this class we will use critical race studies, queer and feminist theory, disability studies, and science and technology studies (STS) to analyze representations of "cyborg" bodies in speculative fiction and ethnography. Our case examples explore the politics of the body through narratives of military research, artificial intelligence, sex work, urbanism and segregation, biotech research, prosthetics and athleticism, new reproductive technologies, and more. We will engage with poetry, film, visual art, and speculative fiction to explore how bodies are dreamed, crafted, and represented. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS SISP |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (FGSS) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Less than 50% |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Major readings include works from digital anthropology, critical race studies, and queer studies, e.g. Lisa Nakamura, Jessica Riskin, Alison Kafer, Donna Haraway, LH Stallings, Annemarie Jagose, Jose Munoz, and more. Students will also read a sci-fi novel and short story and works of poetry.
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Examinations and Assignments:
Assignments and exams:
Three take-home essays throughout the semester
Final paper blending science fiction and critical analysis
Group leading of class |
| Instructor(s): Thakor,Mitali Times: ..T.R.. 01:20PM-02:40PM; Location: BOGH113; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 15 | | SR major: 8 | JR major: 4 | | |
| Seats Available: 3 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 2 | JR non-major: 1 | SO: 0 | FR: X |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 1 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 1 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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