Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - PHIL 331 D100

Selected Topics (3)

Philosophy and Science Fiction

Class Number: 6802

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    As stated by department at time of offering.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

May be repeated for credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Selected Topics: Philosophy and Science Fiction

Prerequisites: At least one of Phil 201, 203, or 221 must be completed prior to the start of this course.

This course will explore several interconnected philosophical themes in a science fiction context. The goal will be to use the science fiction format as a way of getting more specific about the philosophical ideas, and using the fiction setting to draw out consequences of various technological, social, biological, and linguistic issues or settings. Put another way, we will be using science fiction to understand philosophy.

The philosophical topics to be explored in a science fiction setting will likely include (though not be limited to) issues around the relationship between language, translation, and personal identity; issues around colonization and alienness; ways in which built physical environments shape social and political freedoms; and issues around intersectional identity such as race and gender (though, in a context where there are also issues of gender or race in a multi-species setting where not all species have anything resembling usual human biological sex markers).

Work in the course will include online discussion board posting, in-class lectures and also small and large group discussions, and a creative project in which students will choose their own particular philosophical topic (narrowly construed) to explore in detail in a science fiction setting. Proposals for this final project will be submitted during the term, and students will meet with the professor as well as workshop the idea in a small group setting.

Grading

  • This course will have a somewhat unusual format and be discussion-intensive. Students will be scaffolded into these discussions by having material to bring to class for the basis of examining the texts.
  • Weekly participation: [will involve weekly discussion questions, online discussion posting, and in-class participation activities as well] 25%
  • Mid-length essays [note: these will involve separate components, such as submitting an outline, bringing an introduction for in-class workshopping, etc.. Each component will contribute to part of this overall % of the grade. The specifics of the assignments will allow for a range of options, such as writing an op-ed, or a set of discussion questions for non-philosophers enjoying a show/book/game, or a more traditional philosophical paper on a theme in one of the readings] 55%
  • Final Project [note: this will involve several components, such as submitting an outline, providing comments to other students on their outlines, etc. Each of these components contribute to this overall percentage of the total grade] 20%

NOTES:

Some of the assignments may be non-standard for Philosophy papers, and involve creative fiction. Students will have a variety of options for the format this takes.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

It is recommended students purchase their own physical copies of the books to be read. Some material will be made available through Canvas. There will be one movie that we use, which will be shown on a Friday or Saturday evening, to be voted on in class, for free in a large lecture theatre on campus. The first two novels we will read are Babel by R.F. Kuang, and Bury Your Gays by Chuck Tingle. Feel free to start reading these before term starts.
 
Additionally, there will be an opportunity to do a small writing assignment associated with FanExpo, which occurs in February in downtown Vancouver. This is not required, but in case you were thinking of buying tickets anyway, it is a bit cheaper to do so earlier.




REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Thinking of a Philosophy Major or Minor? The Concentration in Law and Philosophy? The Certificate in Ethics? The Philosophy and Methodology of Science Certificate?
Contact the PHIL Advisor at philcomm@sfu.ca   More details on our website: SFU Philosophy

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.