Department of Comparative Literature|Fall 2021

CMLIT 122: Global Science Fictions

Instructor: Emily Sterk, Graduate Assistant in Spanish (she/her/hers)

Komi Olaf, 3014 (2014)

Class Information: Instructor Contact Information:

Tues. & Thurs.|9:05-10:20 a.m. E-mail: eks28@psu.edu
Willard Building, Room 371 Virtual office hours: Tuesday 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Credit hours: 3 and by appt. (ZOOM)
Prerequisites: None

I. Course Description
This course examines the relationships between science, literature, and film from an international
and interdisciplinary perspective. We will pay particular attention to the ways in which various
authors and directors have imagined gender in the future and the progress or regression that awaits.
The course will employ a comparative feminist framework and includes material from Africa, the
Americas, Asia, and Europe. As we approach each text, we will analyze issues such as: the
development of the genre over time; the author’s use of language and rhetoric; the political,
philosophical, and theological questions posted by the text; the regional, cultural, and historical
differences and forms of change that affect the intellectual development of the arts and sciences; and
the text’s depiction and uses of gender. Throughout the semester, we will consider how these works
reimagine the past and the present to offer radical visions of (un)desirable futures. To that end, we
will consider how the genre of science fiction addresses questions of gender, race, class, colonialism,
human rights, the environment, social institutions, and political organization.
 CMLIT 122 |Fall 2021| 2

II. Humanities Domain Goals

Upon successful completion of the General Education Humanities (GH) requirement, students
should have increased their abilities to:
• Explain the methods of inquiry in humanities fields and describe how the contributions of
these fields complement inquiry in other areas
• Demonstrate competence in critical thinking about topics and texts in the humanities
through clear and well-reasoned responses
• Critically evaluate texts in the humanities– whether verbal, visual, or digital– and identify and
explain moral or ethical dimensions within the disciplines of the humanities
• Demonstrate knowledge of major cultural currents, issues, and developments through time,
including evidence of exposure to unfamiliar material that challenges their curiosity and
stretches their intellectual range
• Become familiar with groups, individuals, ideas, or events that have influenced the
experiences and values of different communities

III. Course Objectives

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
• Demonstrate an understanding of a variety of works of science fiction and speculative
fiction.
• Establish connections among literary and filmic works from various cultural, linguistic,
social, and temporal contexts throughout the world.
• Articulate how questions concerning colonialism, class, gender, race, and sexuality can shape
works of science fiction.
• Critically analyze literary and filmic works in terms of form and style through both written
and oral expression.
• Engage in collaborative learning and teamwork while actively participating in the creation of
a vibrant and rewarding learning community.

IV. Books and Other Materials

A. Required texts:
• Butler, Octavia E. Dawn. Warner Books, 1987.
• DeConnick, Kelly Sue, and Valentine De Landro. Bitch Planet, Vol. 1. Image Comics,
2015.
• Harpman, Jacqueline. I Who Have Never Known Men. Translated by Ros Schwartz, Seven
Stories Press, 1997.
• Hopkinson, Nalo. Midnight Robber. Grand Central Publishing, 2000.
• Indiana, Rita. Tentacle. Translated by Achy Obejas, And Other Stories, 2018.
**These texts are available for purchase at the Penn State Bookstore, and they have also been placed on
Course Reserve at the Penn State Library.**
B. Films: Available through Swank Motion Pictures Digital Campus and Course Reserve at the
PSU Library
C. Other materials: Available through CANVAS
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V. Content Warning
Some readings and other content in this course will include topics that some students may find
offensive and/or traumatizing. I’ll aim to forewarn students about potentially disturbing content,
and I ask all students to help to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and sensitivity.

VI. Method of Evaluation

A. Participation/Preparation and Attendance 20%
B. Reaction Papers 25%
C. Quizzes 10%
D. Collaborative Analysis 15%
E. Final Project Abstract 5%
F. Final Project 20%
G. Orientation Quiz 1%
H. Mid-Term and Final Self-Evaluations 4%
I. Extra credit (optional) Up to 6%

A. Participation/Preparation and Attendance (20% of final grade)

While I will occasionally lecture, the core of this class will consist of critical and respectful
discussion amongst our classroom community. To encourage that discussion, participation and
attendance is worth 20% of your final grade. I will evaluate participation weekly, according to
this rubric:

Criteria Punctuality Preparation Oral and Written Contributions

During Class Time
Points available: 5 5 10

Additional notes on participation: The courteous treatment of your colleagues is part of

active participation in this course. Active participants are also active listeners; I expect students
who are more comfortable with class dialogue to be sure that they are sharing the classroom
space with the entire learning community and make openings for those who may find it more
difficult to engage in class discussion. If you are struggling to take part in the class discussion,
please be in touch and I will make sure to solicit your contributions using your written work.

Additional notes on attendance: You are expected to attend all sessions of this course.
However, I understand that illnesses and emergencies occur. You are permitted two (2)
unexcused absences, no questions asked. These two absences cover your first two
undocumented absences; if you exceed two unexcused absences, your participation grade will
start to suffer. In the case of excused absences (those that are for religious holidays and
University-approved activities), you must provide documentation.

Extended Absences: During your enrollment at Penn State, unforeseen challenges may arise. If
you ever need to miss an extended amount of class in such a circumstance, please notify me so
you can determine the best course of action to make up missed work. If your situation rises to a
level of difficulty you cannot manage on your own with faculty support, reach out to the Student
Care & Advocacy office by phone at (814-863-2020) or email them at StudentCare@psu.edu.
Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 CMLIT 122 |Fall 2021| 4

B. Reaction Papers (25% of final grade)

You will write three reaction papers on different texts. Each reaction paper should be handed in
at the start of class (see “Course Readings and Schedule” at the end of the syllabus for due
dates). Each reaction paper should be between 300 and 400 words (roughly 1-1.5 pages) and
address the text(s) assigned for the day. Your paper can consist of a comment on the readings, a
series of questions, and/or a close reading of a particular passage. A grading rubric for the
reaction papers is available on CANVAS. No late submissions will be accepted unless you and I
have made previous arrangements.

C. Quizzes (10% of final grade)

Periodically, we will have unannounced in-class quizzes about the readings. These quizzes are
meant to assess your preparation for class and will be given at the beginning of class. Should you
be absent for one of these in-class quizzes, you may not make up the quiz; however, please note
that I will drop the lowest quiz grade.

D. Collaborative Analysis (15% of final grade)

For the mid-term assessment, you will collaborate with several of your peer on a comparative
analysis. You will record yourselves (in audio or video) as you orally discuss a set of questions
related to the topics and materials covered during the first part of the semester. It is up to you
and your group how you format this discussion; that is, you may create a brief podcast, a video, a
roundtable discussion, or a narrated PowerPoint. You may be as creative as you’d like. Further
details about the mid-term assessment and a rubric will be posted to CANVAS under the
module titled “Collaborative Analysis.”

E. Final Project (25% of final grade: 5% for proposal and 20% for project)
The final project will consist of either a comparison paper of 5-7 pages comparing two or three
texts or a creative option with a required 2-3 page reflection paper attached. You must submit a
project abstract, a short paragraph (200 words minimum), in which you outline either how you
see your creative option taking shape or what texts you would like to compare and some
thoughts on why you would like to compare these. This paragraph will count as 5% of your total
grade for the course. More detailed instructions for the project and abstract can be found on
CANVAS.

NOTE: There is no final exam in this course.

F. Orientation Quiz (1% of final grade)

By Sunday, August 29, you must complete an orientation quiz on CANVAS. This quiz is to
ensure that you have carefully reviewed the syllabus and our CANVAS course page. The
orientation quiz will also provide you with a forum to tell me any sort of information (such as
your chosen name, your pronouns, your learning accommodations, etc.) that will allow me to
best serve you as your instructor. You must complete the orientation quiz to unlock the modules
for Week 2 and onward.

G. Mid-Term and Final Self-Evaluations (4% of final grade: 2% for each evaluation)
Although I will ultimately be assessing your overall final grade, I believe self-evaluation is a
powerful technique in each of our own individual learning processes. For this reason, I will ask
you to evaluate your own work and contributions to the class around the mid-term and final
portion of our semester together. You will submit a one-page mid-term and final self-evaluation
 CMLIT 122 |Fall 2021| 5

where you reflect upon your performance in the class (see “Course Readings and Schedule” at
the end of the syllabus for due dates). Guiding questions for this assessment include: What were
your goals for yourself coming into this course and how have you worked towards these goals?
Where do you see yourself excelling in this course? In what ways have you struggled to make
progress, and why? In order to answer these questions, you might choose to describe a particular
moment in class where you felt proud of your work and contributions. I will give as much
feedback as possible in your midterm self-evaluation in hopes that you will continue to make
strides in this course.

H. Extra Credit (Up to 6%)

For extra credit during the semester, you have multiple options with varying amounts of credit. I
will not accept late extra credit at the end of the semester. Please check CANVAS for other
potential extra credit opportunities.

1. You may attend a university-sponsored talk on topics related to our class and write a response
paper (300 words) on the talk. (One option for these talks would be any presentation in the
Comparative Literature Luncheon Series which occurs every Monday from 12:15 to 1:25.) You
MUST hand in your paper within one week of the scheduled talk. Your response will be worth
1% extra on top of your final grade. (Total Potential Credit: 1%)
2. You may attend a film screening or a performance that is in some way related to this course
and write a 300-word response to it (after explaining the connection to our course, you can do
a close reading, a scene analysis, relate it to a class discussion, etc.). You MUST hand it in
within one week of the scheduled screening. Your response will be worth 1% extra on top of
your final grade. (Total Potential Credit: 1%)
3. Take a turn at reading for 5 minutes at the Marathon Read, to be held on Thursday, September
9 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. via Zoom. (No preparation needed.) This year’s theme is
Escape it All. Take a screen shot of you at the event, and you’ll receive 0.5% extra credit. (You
can upload the picture to Canvas or show it to me in class.) Submit a one-paragraph reflection
on this experience of sharing literature as community performance for an additional 1%. (Total
Potential Credit: 1.5%)

VII. Grading Scale (based upon departmental guidelines)

A 93-100 B 83-87 C 70-77

A- 90-92 B- 80-82 D 60-69

B+ 88-89 C+ 78-79 F 0-59

Rounding: In this class, grades of .6 and above will be rounded up.

 CMLIT 122 |Fall 2021| 6

VIII. Classroom and University Policies

COVID-19 Safety and Mandatory Masking: Penn State University requires everyone to wear a
face mask in all university buildings, including classrooms, regardless of vaccination status. ALL
STUDENTS MUST wear a mask appropriately (i.e., covering both your mouth and nose) while
you are indoors on campus. This is to protect your health and safety as well as the health and safety
of your classmates, instructor, and the university community. Anyone attending class without a mask
will be asked to put one on or leave. Instructors may end class if anyone present refuses to
appropriately wear a mask for the duration of class. Students who refuse to wear masks
appropriately may face disciplinary action for Code of Conduct violations. If you feel you cannot
wear a mask during class, please speak with your adviser immediately about your options for altering
your schedule.

Late Assignments: Due dates have been scheduled to facilitate class discussion as well as your
individual progress. However, if you find you cannot meet a deadline, contact me in advance to
discuss the possibilities for creating a revised schedule. These instances will be evaluated on a case-
by-case basis.

Communication: Email (eks28@psu.edu) is the best way to get in-touch with me. I respond to
most emails within 24 hours, apart from weekends. I kindly request that you consult the syllabus
prior to emailing me, as your question may be addressed within the syllabus.

Technology in the Classroom: You are welcome to use a tablet or computer in class. It is your
responsibility to ensure that the presence of your tablet or computer does not impede or distract
from your contributions to our class discussion.

Academic Integrity Statement: Penn State defines academic integrity as the pursuit of scholarly
activity in an open, honest, and responsible manner. All students should act with personal integrity,
respect other students' dignity, rights and property, and help create and maintain an environment in
which all can succeed through the fruits of their efforts (Faculty Senate Policy 49-20). Dishonesty of
any kind will not be tolerated in this course. Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating,
plagiarizing, fabricating information or citations, facilitating acts of academic dishonesty by others,
having unauthorized possession of examinations, submitting work of another person or work
previously used without informing the instructor, or tampering with the academic work of other
students. Students who are found to be dishonest will receive academic sanctions and will be
reported to the University's Judicial Affairs office for possible further disciplinary sanction. For
more information on what constitutes academic dishonesty, prevention, and sanctions for
infractions, see: https://undergrad.psu.edu/aappm/G-9-academic-integrity.html

If you have any doubts about what constitutes plagiarism or academic dishonesty, please ask me
before you submit a graded assessment.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: Penn State welcomes all students with
disabilities into the University's educational programs. I will do everything I can to help you access
necessary accommodations so that you can best succeed in this course. If you have a disability-
related need for academic adjustments in this course, contact the Office for Disability Services
(ODS) at 814-863-1807 (V/TTY) or visit the Office for Disability Services website at
http://equity.psu.edu/ods/. Please provide me with documentation as early as you can. I encourage
you to talk to me about your learning accommodations early on in the semester, even if you have yet
 CMLIT 122 |Fall 2021| 7

to have your scheduled meeting with the ODS. For more information regarding policies, rights, and
responsibilities visit the SDR webpage: http://equity.psu.edu/student-disability-resources.

Counseling and Psychological Services Statement: Many students at Penn State face personal
challenges or have psychological needs that may interfere with their academic progress, social
development, or emotional wellbeing. The university offers a variety of confidential services to help
you through difficult times. These services are provided by staff who welcome all students and
embrace a philosophy respectful of clients’ cultural and religious backgrounds, and sensitive to
differences in race, ability, gender identity and sexual orientation. You can find important details
about how to access these services below:
• Counseling and Psychological Services at University Park (CAPS)
o Website: http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/counseling/
o Phone: 814-863-0395
• Penn State Crisis Line (24 hours/7 days/week)
o Phone: 877-229-6400
• Penn State Crisis Crisis Text Line (24 hours/7 days/week):
o Text: LIONS to 741741

Educational Equity/Report Bias Statement: Consistent with University Policy AD29, students
who believe they have experienced or observed a hate crime, an act of intolerance, discrimination, or
harassment that occurs at Penn State are urged to report these incidents as outlined on the
University’s Report Bias webpage: http://equity.psu.edu/reportbias/.

Mandated Reporting Statement: Penn State’s policies require me to report information about
incidents of sex-based discrimination and harassment with Penn State’s Title IX coordinator or
deputy coordinators, regardless of whether the incidents are stated to me in person or shared by
students as part of their coursework. For more information regarding the University’s policies and
procedures for responding to reports of sexual or gender-based harassment or misconduct, see:
https://titleix.psu.edu/

Further Resources: Penn State offers a wide range of support services to students, including
support to address issues such as health and wellness, financial concerns, food security and basic
needs, in order to help you succeed during your time here. You might not be aware of many of these
services, so I’d encourage you to take some time to check out the Office of Student Affairs website:
https://studentaid.psu.edu/services-for-students-in-need. If there is ever a moment in the semester
where you need a resource of any kind and are unsure of where to go, please do not hesitate to get
in touch with me.
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IX. Course Readings and Schedule1

Date Topic Readings Assignment Deadlines

T, Aug. 24 Introduction to course [1] None [1] Review syllabus
and CANVAS
course page
[2] Acquire texts
R, Aug. 26 What is Feminist Science [1] Ritch Calvin, “Feminist Complete
Fiction? Science Fiction and orientation quiz on
Feminist Epistemology” CANVAS by
Sunday, Aug. 29 at
11:59 p.m.
**Regular drop
deadline: Saturday,
August 28 at 11:59
p.m.
T, Aug. 31 Writing as a Feminist in a [1] James Tiptree, Jr., “The
Historically Male-Dominated Women Men Don’t See”
Genre
R, Sept. 2 Feminist Utopias [1] Rokeya Hossain
Sakhawat, “Sultana’s
Dream”
T, Sept. 7 Feminist (Re)Inventions, [1] Jacqueline Harpman, I
Cont. Who Have Never Known Men,
pp. 7-65
R, Sept. 9 Feminist (Re)Inventions, [1] Jacqueline Harpman, I
Cont. Who Have Never Known Men,
pp. 66-137
T, Sept. 14 Feminist (Re)Inventions [[1] Jacqueline Harpman, I
Who Have Never Known Men,
pp. 137-206
R, Sept. 16 Reproduction and Resistance [1] Octavia E. Butler,
Dawn, Part I (Chs. 1-5)
T, Sept. 21 Reproduction and [1] Octavia E. Butler,
Resistance, Cont. Dawn, Part II (Chs. 1-12)
and Part III (Chs. 1-5)
R, Sept. 23 Reproduction and [1] Octavia E. Butler,
Resistance, Cont. Dawn, Part III (Chs. 6-14)
T, Sept. 28 Reproduction and [1] Octavia E. Butler, Reaction Paper I
Resistance, Cont. Dawn, Part IV (Chs. 1-9) due at the start of
class

1
Please note: This is a preliminary schedule of readings for this course; you will be notified of
changes in advance and in writing. Any changes will reflect classroom dynamics and will be done for
the good of the class.
 CMLIT 122 |Fall 2021| 9

R, Sept. 30 Fears and Hopes for the [1] “Introduction” from

Future in Iraqi Science Iraq + 100
Fiction [2] Hassan Abdulrazzak,
“Kuszib”

T, Oct. 5 Fears and Hopes for the [1] “Afterword” from Iraq
Future in Iraqi Science + 100
Fiction, Cont. [2] Anoud, “Kahramana”

R, Oct. 7 The Spectacle of Science [1] A Girl Walks Home Mid-Term Paper
Fiction Film: Queer Feminist Alone at Night, dir. Ana Lily due on CANVAS by
Utopias Amirpour Sunday, Oct. 10 at
11:59 p.m.
T, Oct. 12 Speculative Vengeance [1] Lu Xun, “Revenge”
[2] Lu Xun, “The Good
Hell that was Lost”
[3] José Saramago,
“Things”

R, Oct. 14 Imagining Indigenous [1] Zainab Amadahy, “The

Futurisms Moon of Palmares”
[2] William Sanders, “When
all this World is on Fire”

T, Oct. 19 Africa Unknowable: [1] Cat Hellisen, “Mouse Mid-term self-

Speculative Stories from Teeth” evaluation due at
Africa [2] Pwaangulongii start of class
Benrawanga, “I am Sitting
Here Looking at a
Graveyard”
R, Oct. 21 Afro-Futurisms in the [1] Nalo Hopkinson,
Caribbean Midnight Robber, pp. 1-50
T, Oct. 26 Afro-Futurisms in the [1] Nalo Hopkinson, Reaction Paper II
Caribbean, Cont. Midnight Robber, pp. 50-141 due at the start of
class
R, Oct. 28 Afro-Futurisms in the [1] Nalo Hopkinson,
Caribbean, Cont. Midnight Robber, pp. 143-
197

T, Nov. 2 Afro-Futurisms in the [1] Nalo Hopkinson,

Caribbean, Cont. Midnight Robber, pp. 198-
281

R, Nov. 4 Afro-Futurisms in the [1] Nalo Hopkinson,

Caribbean, Cont. Midnight Robber, pp. 281-
329
 CMLIT 122 |Fall 2021| 10

T, Nov. 9 Caribbean Cli-Fi [1] Rita Indiana, Tentacle,

pp. 8-43

R, Nov. 11 Caribbean Cli-Fi, Cont. [1] Rita Indiana, Tentacle, Final project
pp. 44-69 abstract due at start
of class

T, Nov. 16 Caribbean Cli-Fi, Cont. [1] Rita Indiana, Tentacle,

pp. 70-102

R, Nov. 18 Caribbean Cli-Fi, Cont. [1] Rita Indiana, Tentacle,

Reaction Paper III
pp. 103-132 due at the start of
class
Fall break, Nov. 21-27: Spend time with loved ones, eat, sleep, and work on final project!
T, Nov. 30 The Graphic Novel and [1] Kelly Sue Deconnick
Science Fiction and Valentine de Landro,
Bitch Planet, No. 1-3
R, Dec. 2 The Graphic Novel and [1] Kelly Sue Deconnick
Science Fiction, Cont. and Valentine de Landro,
Bitch Planet, No. 4-5

T, Dec. 7 The Spectacle of Science [1] The Matrix, dir. Lana

Fiction Film Cont.: Revisiting and Lilly Wachowski
The Matrix
R, Dec. 9 Consultation day in lieu of [1] None Final self-evaluation
regular class session due during
consultation;
Complete SRTE
Final project due on CANVAS by Monday, Dec. 13 at 11:59 p.m.