ClassInfo

While we will not consider whether there really is a race of little green men piloting flying saucers around the galaxy or a malevolent ooze from another planet locked away somewhere in the deserts of New Mexico, this course begins with the basic premise that aliens do exist. As prominent figures in popular films and novels and as symbols that there is something "out there" beyond our understanding and experience, aliens have long been a part of our cultural lives. These otherworldly creatures are often objects of both fascination and fear, serving as complex sites of speculation and fantasy. In addition, we use the words "alien," "alienation," and other related terms in a host of significant and powerful ways. Acknowledging their continued existence and popularity in popular culture, this course is framed by two questions: Why have humans been captivated by stories, symbols, and images of extraterrestrials?
And what does it mean that we have imagined them in these particular ways? As part of our inquiry, we will focus on two key dimensions of the alien phenomenon: otherness and conspiracy."Times New Roman">How does the "alien" help us deal with, understand, or negotiate difference? What do discussions about cover-ups, conspiracies, uncertainty, and mistrust in relation to the aliens tell us about the politics of knowledge in general? The course will engage these concepts and questions by closely examining popular novels, short stories, and films from American culture. Theoretical and philosophical texts will guide our readings, offering critical frameworks for understanding the figure of the alien.

Some of the texts we will look at together: War of the Worlds, Brother from Another Planet, The Left Hand of Darkness, The X-Files, "Space Traders," Cosmic Slop, Ancient Aliens, "Story of Your Life"/ The Arrival