Alternative Worlds in Anglophone Speculative Fiction, 7.5 Credits

Contents

In the broad genre of speculative fiction, the reader encounters alternative worlds that in various ways contrast to reality. Contemporary hopes and fears are starting points for imaginings connected to technological developments but also to social, cultural and environmental concerns. Through analyses of a selection of texts, this literary studies course examines how Anglophone speculative fiction offers unique ways of perceiving and critically addressing a host of concerns linked to areas such as environment and climate, identity, kinship formations, and artificial intelligence.

This syllabus is a translation of Alternativa världar i engelskspråkig spekulativ fiktion, 7,5 hp. If there are discrepancies between the English and Swedish versions, the Swedish version is the legally binding document.

The course consists of a short introductory module, followed by specialized studies and a concluding longer essay.

1. Introduction (1 hp)
2. AI, climate, and kinship (4 hp)
3. Essay (2,5 hp)

Expected learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding
*    account for and exemplify representations of alternative worlds in a selection of speculative fiction;
*    explain how the course's theme areas are expressed in the course material;
*    account for and discuss modern literary criticism and relevant literary theories;

Competence and skills
*    independently analyze literary source material;
*    relate their own findings to relevant research to forward a scholarly argument;
*    in writing communicate primary and secondary source analyses at an advanced academic level;

Judgement and approach
*    critically evaluate primary sources as expressions mediating or questioning social, cultural and environmental norms;
*    critically evaluate scholarly argumentation;
*    critically evaluate culturally and temporally bound positions in both primary and secondary material.

Required Knowledge

Univ: At least 90 ECTS including at least 15 ECTS with academic progression (corresponding to level 61-90 hp in the Swedish academic system) in English, or equivalent knowledge. To be accepted to the course, the applicant must have previously completed introduction and intermediate level courses in English literature at university level, or equivalent knowledge. Alternatively, 90 ECTS in Swedish Comparative Literature. Knowledge of English equivalent of English 6/English Course B.

Form of instruction

Independent studies and group discussions via the learning platform. The student is expected to actively participate in discussions and complete assigned written tasks. This is to be done within given time frames. The medium of instruction is English and knowledge of Swedish is not required

Examination modes

• Module 1: Assessment of written work in discussions on the learning platform.
• Module 2: Examination of written assignments and group discussions on the learning platform. Both active participation and written work are assessed.
• Module 3: Examination of a written assignment via the learning platform.

All examination is conducted in English.

The examiner can decide on deviations from the modes of examination in the syllabus for a student who has been determined eligible for pedagogical support due to a disability. Individual adjustments to the mode of examination will be made on the basis of the student's needs. The mode of examination will be adjusted in relation to the expected learning outcomes. Student in need of Individual adjustments to the mode of examination, should request this at the department no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner makes a decision based on the request, and the decision is communicated to the student.
Grades awarded for Module 1 are Pass (Godkänd (G)) or Fail (Underkänd (U)). Grades awarded for Modules 2 and 3 are Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd (VG)), Pass (G) or Fail (U). A grade of Pass with Distinction (VG) is required in modules 2 and 3 to receive Pass with Distinction (VG) for the whole course.
A student who has been awarded a Pass grade cannot be re-examined.
 
A student who has not received a Pass grade on an exam has the right to re-take the exam (a re-sit) on a course on which they have ever been registered. The first re-sit shall be offered no later than two months after the regular exam, but no earlier than ten working days after the result of that exam has been announced. For tests held in May or June, the first re-sit may be offered within three months of the regular exam. The date for the re-sit shall be announced no later than in conjunction with the regular exam. 

At least one more re-sit shall be offered within a year of the regular exam.  
 In cases where an exam cannot be repeated according to the rules in effect regarding re-sits, it will be replaced with another task. The scope and content of such a task should be reasonably proportionate to the missed exam.

Other regulations

The final date for the submission/completion of assignments falls on the last day of the semester, unless otherwise stated by the teacher. All assignments need to be completed or submitted within the time frame set by the teacher in order to be considered for examination, otherwise they must be completed over again.

In the event of a decision that the course will no longer be offered, or if the syllabus has been revised, students are guaranteed at least three exams (including the regular one) based on the previous syllabus during a time of no more than two years after the previous syllabus ceased to apply or the decision was made that the course no longer be offered.