u·to·pi·a: an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect
dys·to·pi·a: an imagined place or state in which everything is unpleasant or bad, typically a totalitarian or environmentally degraded one
In this English literature class we'll read fiction that imagines worst case scenarios: environmental collapse, authoritarian governments, the total breakdown of society. In addition to imagining these fictional worlds, we'll also look at the real historical and political circumstances that authors were confronting when they wrote dystopian novels.
Prerequisite: None
Instructor: Laura Fokkena
DETAILS:
Suggested age range: 13+
Outside work: We'll read 1984 as a class. In the second half of the semester students will choose their own reading from a suggested list that includes fiction, comics, and graphic novels.
When & where: Fridays on Zoom from 2:00 - 3:00 Eastern Time, Jan. 6 - Mar. 31, 2023. No class Feb. 17.
Fee: $200 ungraded/$250 graded; this includes a non-refundable registration fee of $10. Students should also buy or borrow their own copies of 1984. We offer discounts for groups, siblings, and students who enroll in multiple classes. (Discount information.) Payment plans available. Fees waived for families with financial need. (Waivers and payment plan information.) Questions about how classes work? Read our course FAQ.
Photo credit: Rakaya El-Kasaby