The class
focus will be on how human technologies have affected the Earth in the short
time span our species has inhabited it (to the extent that geologist have
proposed naming our current geological epoch the Anthropocene—”age of
Man”) and on possible future scenarios. We will primarily look at how
various writings, including modern literature and film, have shaped human
attitudes towards our relationship with “nature.” Students will read and respond in writing to
a substantial variety of texts from the ancient Greek myth of Prometheus to
Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein;
or a Modern Prometheus, to Ridley Scott’s 2012 film Prometheus—and beyond. Students will also conduct research in groups and individually,
present their findings to the class orally, and write a 6-8 page research
paper. Class time will be devoted to instruction on writing, revising, and
responsible research strategies.