Utopian Visions & Cybernetic Signals: Media Literacy in Sci-Fi
What's included
8 live meetings
10 in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Every class will end with two short assignments: something to consume and something to create, connecting and affirming class topics.Grading
If students participate in class discussions and/or projects (accommodating for those who are not public speakers) in addition to completing homework in at least five out of eight classes, I will provide them with a certificate of completion for this class. Additionally, all students will be provided with feedback on their projects alongside ideas and recommendations to pursue based on their individual interests.Class Experience
Beginner - Intermediate Level
-Class Description- Science Fiction criticizes present-day society and explores alternatives to the life we lead. It allows a creative exploration through strange new worlds while keeping themes that are relevant to our modern day lives inclusive of systematic divisions and technological change. How was NASA inspired by Star Trek? What does it mean to put a flag on Mars? In this 8-week online course, students will delve into science fiction across various media—including film, literature, graphic novels, music, science, and games. From Ted Chiang to Janelle Monae, this interdisciplinary approach aims to enhance media literacy and critical thinking skills, empowering students to create their own cybernetic and futuristic content. Throughout the course, students will develop these individual projects (stories, art, games, etc.) while engaging through activities and discussion with a series of thought-provoking themes. Located below this text box is a detailed syllabus outlining each session. - Sign ups - Students may register for the full course or select individual classes. While each class builds on the previous ones, necessary context will always be provided. If you wish to join and we are in the middle of the 8-class syllabus, still join! You can just pick up from where we currently are, you can message me to set up some of the prior classes on a separate schedule from the current timeline, or you can take the earlier classes later on in our next cycle! I would love to have you join us! - Current Section Age Ranges - Currently, age ranges are determined by the age of the first student sign-up. - Accessibility - This is an autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergences-friendly classroom. I myself am neurodivergent and this an open space where a student does not need to mask. Miscommunication will not be assumed to be rudeness, and I want curiosity to thrive. I will additionally, joyfully always accommodate best I can if any needs or learning strategies are provided ahead of time.
Learning Goals
Students will analyze and evaluate media messages critically, questioning sources, motives, and bias.
Students will analyze an aspect of our current society, advocating for change.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum8 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
Origins of Sci-fi and Purpose
Why is science fiction valuable, how did we get where we are today, and how do we find ourselves among the stars?
Students will derive and discuss where they find importance in stories.
75 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
A Hopeful Future
What media portrays a good future, where do we want to see ourselves as the human race, and how is the possible future influenced by our very real past?
Students will connect identity and community to their own fictitious worlds.
75 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
The Prime Directive(s) and Colonization
What values should we hold among the stars, what influence do we hold with our peers, and is first contact always the correct path to follow?
Students will analyze media and find pro's and con's to interstellar outreach, while forming connections within their own worlds.
75 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Wonder and Escapism
How does science fiction set us free, how do we balance realism and fantasy, and can comfort be found in worlds without numbers?
Students will deep dive into abstract concepts, add substance to the details, and work on bridging references into new ideas within their world building.
75 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
There will be themes of colonization, injustice, xenophobia, systematic discrimination, and war discussed in class. There will be connections but no visual depiction of these themes in the real world, only through the lenses of science-fiction. No scenes visually shown will involve gore or death.
Media discussed will be at the scale of films like 2001: A Space Odyssey, songs from artists like Janelle Monae (explicit language), graphic novels like "On a sunbeam", tv-shows like Star Trek, and excerpts of books like Jeff Vandermeer's work.
Supply List
All learners need is something to draw with and on (Tablet, paper/pen, etc). Any other materials will be supplied virtually.
Language of Instruction
English (Level: B1)
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Science from Boston University
I have a B.A. in the sciences (specifically in Biology), took several classes during my time at Boston University relating to cybernetics and dystopia, and have experience teaching media literacy programs in private schools.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$25
weekly or $200 for 8 classes1x per week, 8 weeks
75 min
Completed by 3 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
1-8 learners per class
Financial Assistance
Tutoring
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