First-Year Seminars 110SW - Future Is Fem.: Scifi by Women

In the genre of science fiction, women authors have always been present if not always as widely known or accepted as their male counterparts. Published in 1818, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is considered the first true science fiction story; in 2018, N.K. Jemisin became the first person ever to win the Hugo award for science fiction/fantasy three years in a row. Many of these authors not only present a rich, imagined world of scientific "what ifs," but also a nuanced, evocative view of possible societies, exploring issues of social justice, race, gender, sexuality, and class -- often at their intersection. This course will explore works of science/speculative fiction by women and nonbinary writers, with the occasional foray into other relevant works of literature, television, film, art, and pop culture.

Mount Holyoke first-year students only, by placement.