What does it mean to be human? This course will examine how science fiction and fantasy resignify and expand our notion of humanity, while criticizing prevailing social and racial injustices through novels, comic books and films. In particular, we will analyze how social and historical occurrences, such as colonialism, slavery, racism, anti-semitism, among others, are represented and re-signified in science fiction and fantasy texts to denounce contemporary injustices. Combining different genres, such as films, short stories, and novels dating from the 1960s until the Marvel Era, we will discuss various topics while examining how science fiction and fantasy challenge formal and social conventions, presenting cultures that engage with traditions and, at the same time, critique our current practices, and envision a new future.
- Teacher: Ane Caroline Ribeiro Costa