ENGL 391 (Section 901, Schedule #31862)
Virginia Commonwealth University
Fall 2014
TR 4:00-5:15pm :: 427 Hibbs
Prof. David Golumbia
Office: 324D Hibbs Hall
Fall 2014 Office Hours: TR 2-3:30pm
Many thinkers predict human beings will change radically in the relatively near future, or even that humanity itself will vanish entirely, to be replaced by some new species of cyborg or a being of "pure" intelligence. Such predictions are by definition fictional, even if they turn out to be true some day in the future; they are also frequently the subject of work that is overtly fictional, whether or not it is intended as a "realistic" prediction of what our future holds. In this class we'll read and watch contemporary texts and media that portrays different versions of the human future, especially where it focuses on the interplay between biological humans and digital machines; we'll also briefly look at some apparently "non-fictional" writing on the same topic. Authors will include Margaret Atwood, Philip K. Dick, Octavia Butler, Paolo Bacigalupi, Ray Kurzweil, and Eric Drexler; and movies and television programs including most of the Joss Whedon series Dollhouse, and the recent films Her and Transcendence. Taught mostly by discussion, with some brief student presentations and two essays or essay-length projects.
Required Texts to Purchase (available at bookstore and online booksellers; one copy is also on reserve)
Evaluation will be based on written exercises and course participation as follows:
OFFICIAL VCU POLICY STATEMENTS
VCU Email Policy
Email is considered an official method for communication at VCU because it delivers information in a convenient, timely, cost-effective, and environmentally aware manner. Students are expected to check their official VCU email on a frequent and consistent basis in order to remain informed of university-related communications. The university recommends checking email daily. Students are responsible for the consequences of not reading, in a timely fashion, university-related communications sent to their official VCU student email account. This policy ensures that all students have access to this important form of communication. It ensures students can be reached through a standardized channel by faculty and other staff of the university as needed. Mail sent to the VCU email address may include notification of university-related actions, including disciplinary action. Please read the policy in its entirety.
VCU Honor System: Upholding Academic Integrity
The VCU Honor System policy describes the responsibilities of students, faculty and administration in upholding academic integrity, while at the same time respecting the rights of individuals to the due process offered by administrative hearings and appeals. According to this policy, "Members of the academic community are required to conduct themselves in accordance with the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity." In addition, "All members of the VCU community are presumed to have an understanding of the VCU Honor System and are required to:
- Agree to be bound by the Honor System policy and its procedures;
- Report suspicion or knowledge of possible violations of the Honor System;
- Support an environment that reflects a commitment to academic integrity;
- Answer truthfully when called upon to do so regarding Honor System cases;
- Maintain confidentiality regarding specific information in Honor System cases."
More information can be found at in the VCU policy library.
Student Conduct in the Classroom
According to the Faculty Guide to Student Conduct in Instructional Settings, "The university is a community of learners. Students, as well as faculty, have a responsibility for creating and maintaining an environment that supports effective instruction. In order for faculty members (including graduate teaching assistants) to provide and students to receive effective instruction in classrooms, laboratories, studios, online courses, and other learning areas, the university expects students to conduct themselves in an orderly and cooperative manner." Among other things, cell phones and beepers should be turned off while in the classroom. The Student Code of Conduct also prohibits the possession of or carrying of any weapon. For more information see http://register.dls.virginia.gov/details.aspx?id=3436.
Students with Disabilities
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, require that VCU provide "academic adjustments" or "reasonable accommodations" to any student who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. To receive accommodations, students must request them by contacting the Disability Support Services Office on the Monroe Park Campus (828-2253) or the Division for Academic Success on the MCV campus (828-9782). Please also visit the Disability Support Services website and/or the Division for Academic Success website for additional information.
Any student who has a disability that requires an accommodation should schedule a meeting with the instructor at the student's earliest convenience. Additionally, if coursework requires the student to work in a lab environment, the student should advise the instructor or a department chairperson of any concerns that the student may have regarding safety issues related to a disability. Students should follow this procedure for all courses in the academic semester.
Statement on Military Short-Term Training or Deployment
If military students receive orders for short-term training or for deployment/mobilization, they should inform and present their orders to Military Student Services and to their professor(s). For further information on policies and procedures contact Military Services at 828-5993 or access the corresponding policies.
Excused Absences for Students Representing the University
Students who represent the university (athletes and others) do not choose their schedules. Student athletes are required to attend games and/or meets. All student athletes should provide their schedules to their instructors at the beginning of the semester. The Intercollegiate Athletic Council strongly encourages faculty to treat missed classes or exams (because of a scheduling conflict) as excused absences and urges faculty to work with the students to make up the work or exam.
Campus Emergency Information
What to Know and Do to Be Prepared for Emergencies at VCU:
- Sign up to receive VCU text messaging alerts. Keep your information up-to-date. Within the classroom, the professor will keep his or her phone on to receive any emergency transmissions.
- Know the safe evacuation route from each of your classrooms. Emergency evacuation routes are posted in on-campus classrooms.
- Listen for and follow instructions from VCU or other designated authorities. Within the classroom, follow your professor's instructions.
- Know where to go for additional emergency information.
- Know the emergency phone number for the VCU Police (828-1234).
- Report suspicious activities and objects.
- Keep your permanent address and emergency contact information current in eServices.
Important Dates
You can view important dates for the Fall 2014 semester in the university calendar.
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Students may attend only those classes for which they have registered. Faculty may not add students to class rosters or Blackboard. Therefore, if students are attending a class for which they have not registered, they must stop attending.
Withdrawal from Classes
Before withdrawing from classes, students should consult their instructor as well as other appropriate university offices. Withdrawing from classes may negatively impact a student’s financial aid award and his or her semester charges. To discuss financial aid and the student bill, visit the Student Services Center at 1015 Floyd Avenue (Harris Hall) and/or contact your financial aid counselor regarding the impact on your financial aid. Contact information for the University Financial Aid Office is available online.
Student Financial Responsibility
Students assume the responsibility of full payment of tuition and fees generated from their registration and all charges for housing and dining services, and other applicable miscellaneous charges. Students are ultimately responsible for any unpaid balance on their account as a result of the University Financial Aid Office or their third party sponsor canceling or reducing their award(s).
Week One. Introduction
Week Two. Transhumanism
Week Three. The Singularity; The Mind According to Ray Kurzweil
Week Four. Dollhouse
Week Five. Ubik
Week Six. Windup Girl
Week Seven. Windup Girl
Week Eight. Dollhouse
Week Nine. Digital Rapture
Week Ten. Digital Rapture
Week Eleven. Dawn
Week Twelve. Oryx and Crake
Week Thirteen. Transcendence
Week Fourteen. Her
Week Fifteen. Dollhouse
Week Sixteen. Open discussion
Second paper/project is due by the end of the final exam date, 6:50pm, Tuesday, Dec 9, 2014, per the registrar's exam schedule. The paper or project should be emailed to me at dgolumbia-at-vcu.edu. There is no other final exam for the course.
Last updated November 20, 2014.