LCST
2102

Planetary Science Fiction

Eugene Lang College Lib Arts: Culture & Media

Liberal Arts
Undergraduate Course
Degree Students
Planetary Science Fiction
Spring 2025
Taught By: Deborah Levitt
Section: A

CRN: 13637

Credits: 4

Global pop cultural conceptions of the topics and tropes of science fiction film have largely been defined by the Hollywood SF blockbusters that have saturated international markets. With some notable exceptions (i.e., anime), Hollywood’s emphasis on big budget special effects has rendered the genre less adaptable to other spaces and modes of production. But fascinating science fiction films have been made across Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. In this course, we will explore the global reach of science fiction, screening films from Russia, Kenya, Argentina, South Africa, France, Mexico, Nigeria, India, Japan, and the Philippines. While a few of the films thematize space travel and planets in a literal sense, the term “planetary” functions primarily as a speculative lens through which to consider how different logics of space and place—from regional, national, trans-national, and global to inner- and outer- space—might enable us to think creatively about today’s ecological crises and colliding worlds. Student work includes weekly screenings, seminars, and Canvas posts, a variety of readings (from short stories to philosophy), and a significant final project. [Tracks C, M, S]

College: Eugene Lang College Lib Arts (LC)

Department: Culture & Media (CAM)

Campus: New York City (GV)

Course Format: Seminar (R)

Modality: In-Person

Max Enrollment: 18

Repeat Limit: N/A

Add/Drop Deadline: February 3, 2025 (Monday)

Online Withdrawal Deadline: April 15, 2025 (Tuesday)

Seats Available: Yes

* Seats available but reserved for a specific population.

Status: Open*

* Status information is updated every few minutes. The status of this course may have changed since the last update. Open seats may have restrictions that will prevent some students from registering. Updated: 5:32pm EST 11/5/2024

Meeting Info:
Days: Thursday
Times: 9:00am - 11:40am
Building: Academic Entrance 63 Fifth Ave
Room: 312
Date Range: 1/20/2025 - 5/14/2025
Days: Tuesday
Times: 10:00am - 11:40am
Building: Academic Entrance 63 Fifth Ave
Room: L104
Date Range: 1/20/2025 - 5/14/2025