Undergraduate Program
Unique No. 07160
Faculty: Stone
Class Time: T 2-5 Room: Studio 4B (CMB 4.110)
Writing Comp: No Comm/Culture Req: No
Closing Limit: 15 Cross-listed: RTF 390N
Prerequisites
For RTF majors, the following coursework, with a grade of at least C in each course: RTF 305; 318 or 319; and 6 additional semester hours of lower-division coursework chosen from RTF 309, 314, 316, 317, and 318 OR 319 (whichever has not already been taken). For others, consent of instructor on the first class day.
Consent requirements
This course does not require consent. Registration is open via TEX to all RTF majors.
First class day policy
Students who are not on time on the first class day will be automatically dropped.
Course description
At the intersection between real science and science fiction lurks the realm of Weird Science, the hotly contested liminal universe where the action is and where imagination counts as much as experiment.
Like all ACTLab courses, Weird Science is both theory and practice. Through reading and discussion you will explore how different knowledge systems work, how facts are socially constructed and fought over, who polices the boundaries between science and fiction, sex and gender, imaginary and real, human and cyborg, cyborg and monster. In order to do this, we'll need a working knowledge of monsters—the place of the monstrous in history, how defining "monster" works to stabilize the definition of "human", how defining sexuality, gender, and ethnicity works in similar fashion; how monsters and machines are gendered; how these themes are inflected to stabilize "normal" and "abnormal"; and in general the complex ways in which That Which is Different comes to be That Which is Evil (and sometimes Powerful, and sometimes Savior, and sometimes...?). Using film, video,sound, and other media, we will compare modern representations of the monstrous with a few of the postmodern, to gain an appreciation of how the idea of the monster has changed in that transition, and what the changes imply for our own ideas of bodies, subjectivity, and desire.
There are no written exams. Instead you will use the theories and tools you acquire during the semester to make stuff about some aspect of weird science. What you make can be in any form: sound, installation, video, computer animation, collage, sculpture, assemblage, performance - you name it. You will do this in stages, starting with simple projects and moving to more complex ones, using humor, irony, uncommon approaches, and bizarre techniques.
In ACTLab courses we assume a high level of motivation on your part and your willingness to self-start, set your own goals, think independently, collaborate with others, seek help when you need it, and take risks.
Class is in studio and discussion format. This means that your active participation is a requirement of the course. During the semester I expect you to contribute your own ideas and arguments to the discussions, and to be willing to take the risks such contributions imply. On the last class day, you will present your final project for our own entertainment and for other interested students, faculty, and friends. Your grade is based to a large extent on this presentation. Take risks! Amaze us!
This course does not repeat the content of any previous course of similar name.