In this course, students will explore the ways in which sf writers deny mainstream representations of gender, sexuality, culture, nationality, and race by crafting stories that pulls in, rather than leaves out underrepresented groups of people. During the course we will focus on texts either by sf writers or about sf that allow us to re-think the mainstream. Through the focus on these texts we will ultimately assess the extent to which literature, particularly sf, acts as a vehicle for socio-cultural, and ideological change. 

As we read, view, and discuss these texts, we will pursue the following:

Learning Objectives:

1. Recognize and understand the various levels of meaning that are present in each text.
2. Form evaluations from literary criticism to support your interpretations of each text.
3. Express those interpretations in clear and organized writing.
4. Connect course content to real-world problems faced by marginalized groups of people.

Core Texts:

Fiction: 

How Long ‘Til Black Future Month, N. K. Jemisin (Selected Stories)

Skin Folk, Nalo Hopkinson (Selected Stories)

Handicapsules: Short Stories of Speculative Crip Lit, Brian Koukol (Selected Stories)

Nonfiction:

Decoding Gender in Science Fiction, Brian Attebery.

For enrollment information visit here: https://www.umass.edu/uww/class/summer-2022/40523/gender-sexuality-liter...