Syllabus
GC1Y 1000 Critical Thinking: SciFi & Philosophy, Spring 2021
Section 02: TR 2:00-3:15 p.m., Online
Section 03: TR 3:30-4:45 p.m., Online
Professor
Dr. Alex E. Blazer
478.445.0964
Office Hours: TR 12:30-1:45 p.m. and 5:00-5:30 p.m. by appointment
The course catalog states, "This introductory level course focuses on the development of critical thinking skills within various disciplinary, multidisciplinary, or interdisciplinary contexts. Course materials will emphasis (sic) multiple intellectual approaches to issues, topics, and/or themes; the evaluation of evidence to form appropriate conclusions; the development of effective oral and/or written communication skills. The course will provide appropriate opportunities to engage in learning beyond the classroom." This GC1Y section will interpret science fiction literature, film, television, gaming culture (such as role playing, live-action role playing, and video games), and fan culture (such as fanzines, fan fiction, and cosplay) through the lens of philosophy. Students will not only analyze scifi and fantasy works from a literary perspective but also learn the philosophical concepts that these works explore, such as the nature of reality, the nature of knowledge, free will, ethics, and politics. We will read philosophy from Susan Schneider's Science Fiction and Philosophy: From Time Travel to Superintelligence; we will read science fiction from a course packet; and we will view science fiction films. Finally, we will read scholarly journal articles about fan fiction, live-action role-playing games, massively multiplayer online role-playing games, and cosplay. Students will informally respond to an in-class text once in the semester. The research project will include annotating the chapters of an edited collection on science fiction and philosophy. For the learning beyond the classroom component of the course, students will either, individually, participate in a science fiction activity and then write an essay reflecting upon the experience or, small groups, record a podcast that examines a work of science fiction. Students will interpret an in-class text through the lens of a philosophical concept. Finally, students will take a final essay exam that will test their understanding of the relationship between science fiction and philosophy.
required textbooks (Amazon or GCSU Bookstore)
Schneider, Science Fiction and Philosophy, 2nd ed.
required articles (GeorgiaVIEW)
required films (JustWatch)
recommended textbooks (Amazon)
Craig, Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction
Philips, Philosophy and Science Fiction
Rowlands, Philosophy from Socrates to Schwarzenegger
Sanders, The Philosophy of Science Fiction Film
Seed, Science Fiction: A Very Short Introduction
recommended websites
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Assignments and Grade Distribution
response, 5%
You will sign up to summarize a work of science fiction or philosophy in an informal 2-3 page response.
research project, 15%
You will annotate the essays in an edited book collection about a science fiction or fantasy novel, film, comic book, or video game.
learning beyond the classroom project, 20%
You will either 1) individually participate in a science fiction and fantasy event or activity and reflect upon the experience 4-5 page essay or 2) record, with two classmates, a 30 minute podcast discussing the literary and philosophical aspects of an out-of-class science fiction short story, novel, television episode, or film.
philosophical essay, 30%
You will interpret an in-class short story or film through the lens of a philosophical concept in a 4-5 page essay.
exam, 30%
You will take an essay exam that tests your understanding of the relationship between science fiction and philosophy.
Technology
We will use the course site for the syllabus schedule and assignment prompts; supporting documents include an attendance record, a course grade calculation spreadsheet, FAQ, a GeorgiaVIEW walkthrough, a guide to literary analysis, a research methods guide, and paper templates. We will use GeorgiaVIEW for assignment submission and the course packet; if you experience technical issues with GeorgiaVIEW, contact the Center for Teaching and Learning at ctl@gcsu.edu or 478.445.2520. We will use Zoom for large class discussions and small group activities during the scheduled class time. Check your university email for course-related messages. Use an online backup or cloud storage service to not only save but also archive versions of your work in case of personal computer calamities.
Attendance
Our course includes three kinds of participation: making a comment or asking a question in the large class lectures and discussions conducted virtually over Zoom during the scheduled meeting time, active engagement in small group activities conducted virtually over Zoom during the scheduled meeting time, and 100-200 word posts in the GeorgiaVIEW discussion board that respond to assigned reading outside of the scheduled class time yet by Sunday of the week in which the questions were posted. Each week with two meeting days, you are required to participate twice: attend 1 or 2 Zoom sessions and submit 0 or 1 discussion posts. Each week with one meeting day, you are required to participate once: either attend a Zoom session or submit a discussion post. If you do not turn on your Zoom video, or if you do not fulfill the minimum participation in a given week, then your weekly participation is considered zero. You can receive two zeros without penalty. However, for each week of below minimum participation beyond two, you will receive a one-third letter grade deduction on your final course grade. You can check your attendance here.
MLA Style and Length Requirements
Part of writing in a discipline is adhering to the field's style guide. While other disciplines use APA or Chicago style, literature and composition follows MLA style. Assignments such as in-class exams, discussion board responses, informal/journal writing, and peer review may be informally formatted; however, formal assignments and take-home exams must employ MLA style. One-third of a letter grade will be deducted from a formal paper or take-home exam for problems in each of the following three categories, for a possible one letter grade deduction total: 1) margins, header, and heading, 2) font, font size, and line-spacing, and 3) quotation and citation format. A formal paper or take-home exam will be penalized one-third of a letter grade if it does not end at least halfway down on the minimum page length (not including Works Cited page) while implementing 12 pt Times New Roman font, double-spacing, and 1" margins. Each additional page short of the minimum requirement will result in an a additional one-third letter grade penalty. Before you turn in a formal paper, make sure your work follows MLA style by referring to the MLA style checklist. Feel free to use these templates that are preformatted to MLA style.
Late Assignments
We're all busy with multiple classes and commitments, and adhering to deadlines is critical for the smooth running of the course. There will be a one letter assignment grade deduction per day (not class period) for any assignment that is turned in late. I give short extensions if you request one for a valid need at least one day before the assignment is due. I will inform you via email if I cannot open an electronically submitted assignment; however, your assignment will be considered late until you submit it in a file I can open. Because your completion of this course's major learning outcomes depends on the completion of pertinent assignments, failing to submit an assignment that is worth 15% or more of the course grade within five days of its due date may result in failure of the course. Failing to submit a final exam or final paper within two days of its due date may result in failure of the course.
Academic Honesty
The integrity of students and their written and oral work is a critical component of the academic process. The Honor Code defines plagiarism as "presenting as one's own work the words or ideas of an author or fellow student. Students should document quotes through quotation marks and footnotes or other accepted citation methods. Ignorance of these rules concerning plagiarism is not an excuse. When in doubt, students should seek clarification from the professor who made the assignment." The Undergraduate Catalog and Graduate Catalog define academic dishonesty as "Plagiarizing, including the submission of others’ ideas or papers (whether purchased, borrowed, or otherwise obtained) as one’s own. When direct quotations are used in themes, essays, term papers, tests, book reviews, and other similar work, they must be indicated; and when the ideas of another are incorporated in any paper, they must be acknowledged, according to a style of documentation appropriate to the discipline" and "Submitting, if contrary to the rules of a course, work previously presented in another course," among other false representations. As plagiarism is not tolerated at GCSU, "since the primary goal of education is to increase one's own knowledge," any student found guilty of substantial, willful plagiarism or dishonesty may fail the assignment and the course. This course uses plagiarism prevention technology from TurnItIn. The papers may be retained by the service for the sole purpose of checking for plagiarized content in future student submissions.
Passing or Failing of the Course
There are three ways to fail the course: failing to regularly participate in class, plagiarizing, failing an assignment that is worth 15% or more of the course grade, be it from poor quality, lateness of submission, or a combination of poor quality and lateness. By contrast, students who regularly participate, complete their work with academic integrity, and submit assignments on time will pass the course. You can calculate your final course grade here.
Writing Center
Writing consultants will work with any student writer working on any project in any discipline. To learn more about Writing Center locations, hours, scheduling and services, please go to https://www.gcsu.edu/writingcenter. If you have questions about the Writing
Center, send an email to writing.center@gcsu.edu.
Required Syllabus Statements
Additional statements regarding COVID-19, Religious Observance Policy, Assistance for Student Needs Related to Disability, Student Rating of Instruction Survey, Academic Honesty, Student Use of Copyrighted Materials, Electronic Recording Policy, Academic Grievance or Appeals, and Fire Drills can be found here.
Recommended COVID-19 Links
BOR Management of Risk details University System of Georgia policy regarding exposure of students, employees, or others to unsafe environments or activities. BOR Code of Conduct maintains that University System of Georgia employees will protect human health and safety. GC COVID-19 Reporting & Confirmed Cases lists the number of infections reported by faculty, staff, and students. DPH County Indicator Reports provides weekly test positivity rates for Baldwin County. COVID-19 Event Risk Assessment Planning Tool calculates the probability of an infected person attending a gathering of 10, 15, 20, or 25 people in a given county. Pandemics Explained COVID-19 Risk Levels provides recommendations for local governments regarding contact tracing and stay-at-home orders based on level of containment or spread in a state or region.
- Readings without links are located in Schneider's Science Fiction and Philosophy. Readings with links are located in the GeorgiaVIEW course packet unless otherwise noted. Use JustWatch to locate where assigned films are available to rent or purchase.
- This schedule is subject to change, so check back in class and online for possible revisions.
T, 1-19 |
Introductions |
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R, 1-21 |
philosophy Schneider, Introduction (Schneider 1-16) (GeorgiaVIEW) Craig, "How Do We Know?" and "What Am I?" (GeorgiaVIEW) |
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T, 1-26 |
philosophy Schneider, "Part I: Could I be in a 'Matrix' or Computer Simulation?" (Schneider 17-54) Schwitzgebel and Bakker, "Reinstalling Eden: Happiness on a Hard Drive" Bostrom, "Are You in a Computer Simulation?" Plato, "Plato's Cave" Descartes, "Cartesian Thought Experiments" Chalmers, "The Matrix as Metaphysics" |
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R, 1-28 |
fiction Heinlein, "They" (GeorgiaVIEW) Borges, "The Library of Babel" (GeorgiaVIEW) |
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fiction Bradbury, "The World the Children Made" (GeorgiaVIEW) Gibson, "Burning Chrome" (GeorgiaVIEW) |
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R, 2-4 |
film |
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T, 2-9 |
philosophy Schneider, "Part II: What Am I? Free Will and the Nature of Persons" (Schneider 55-98) Dennett, "Where Am I?" Olson, "Personal Identity" Parfit, "Divided Minds and the Nature of Persons" |
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R, 2-11 |
philosophy Schneider, "Part II: What Am I? Free Will and the Nature of Persons" (Schneider 99-116) Kurzweil, "Who Am I? What Am I?" Huemer, "Free Will and Determinism in Minority Report" Goldman, excerpt from "The Book of Life" |
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T, 2-16 |
fiction Leiber, "Catch That Zeppelin!" (GeorgiaVIEW) Dick, "Impostor" (GeorgiaVIEW) |
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R, 2-18 |
fiction Dick, "The Minority Report" (GeorgiaVIEW) Dick, "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale" (GeorgiaVIEW) Small Group Activity: Developing a Thesis and Outline for the Philosophical Essay |
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T, 2-23 |
film |
R, 2-25 |
Writing and Conferencing Day |
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T, 3-2 |
philosophy Schneider, "Part III: Mind: Natural, Artificial, Hybrid, and 'Super'" (Schneider 117-146) Asimov, "Robot Dreams" Clark, "A Brain Speaks" Clark, "Cyborgs Unplugged" |
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R, 3-4 |
philosophy Schneider, "Part III: Mind: Natural, Artificial, Hybrid, and 'Super'" (Schneider 146-242) Kurzweil, "Superintelligence and Singularity" Chalmers, "The Singularity: A Philosophical Analysis" Schneider, "Alien Minds" |
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T, 3-9 |
No Class: Spring Break |
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R, 3-11 |
fiction Asimov, "The Bicentennial Man" (GeorgiaVIEW) Causey, "The Show Must Go On" (GeorgiaVIEW) Aldiss, "Who Can Replace a Man?" (GeorgiaVIEW) |
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film Knight, "What Is It to Be Human? Blade Runner and Dark City" (GeorgiaVIEW) |
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philosophy Schneider, "Part IV: Ethical and Political Issues" (Schneider 243-78) Annas, "The Man on the Moon" Schneider, "Mindscan: Transcending/the Human Brain" Leslie, "The Doomsday Argument" |
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philosophy Schneider, "Part IV: Ethical and Political Issues" (Schneider 279-331) Asimov, "The Last Question" Anderson, "Asimov's 'Three Laws of Robotics' and Machine Metaethics" Bostrom, "The Control Problem" |
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fiction Le Guin, "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" (GeorgiaVIEW) Jemisin, "The Ones Who Stay and Fight" (GeorgiaVIEW) Wells, The Island of Doctor Moreau, Chapters I-VII (GeorgiaVIEW) |
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T, 3-30 |
fiction Wells, The Island of Doctor Moreau, Chapters VIII-XXII (GeorgiaVIEW) |
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R, 4-1 |
Research Project Roundtable Discussion |
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T, 4-6 |
film |
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R, 4-8 |
philosophy Golub, "Being in the World (of Warcraft): Raiding, Realism, and Knowledge Production in a Massively Multiplayer Online Game" (GeorgiaVIEW) Jiang, "'I Never Know What to Expect': Aleatory Identity Play in Fortnite and Its Implications for Multimodal Composition" (GeorgiaVIEW) Recommended: Roesler, "The Self in Cyberspace: Identity Formation in Postmodern Societies and Jung's Self as an Objective Psyche" (GeorgiaVIEW) |
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Derecho, "Archontic Literature: A Definition, a History, and Several Theories of Fan Fiction" (GeorgiaVIEW) Lamerichs, "Stranger Than Fiction: Fan Identity in Cosplay" (GeorgiaVIEW) Recommended: Golumbia, "Games without Play" (GeorgiaVIEW) |
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Writing and Conferencing Day |
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philosophy Schneider, "Part V: Space and Time" (Schneider 331-393) Bradbury, "A Sound of Thunder" Sider, "Time" Lewis, "The Paradoxes of Time Travel" Deutsch and Lockwood, "The Quantum Physics of Time Travel" Hanley, "Miracles and Wonders: Science Fiction as Epistemology" |
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fiction Heinlein, "All You Zombies—" (GeorgiaView) Spinrad, "The Weed of Time" (GeorgiaVIEW) |
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