ANTH 230 Unearthing Science Fiction
In the twentieth and twenty-first century, authors and artists have used science fiction and fantasy as a way to explore the potential of science/technology, and imagine worlds enchanted by magic. These genres, realized both in text and film, reflect the deep-seated social norms of their place and time of creation. Encounters with alien and non-human "races" act as a metaphor for encountering other cultural groups throughout history. In this course, we use science fiction and fantasy media to explore anthropological concepts such as culture, ancient history, race/ethnicity, and intercultural encounters. In so doing, we explore ways of defining identity, imagining ancient history, conducting fieldwork, and envisioning the future.