English: Should We Settle Space?

Intensive instruction and practice in writing, reading, research, and revision through the exploration of a theme related to the instructor's expertise. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years.

Sophomores, juniors and seniors only PACE students by permission and override

This course uses science fiction, scholarly research, and popular science writing to explore whether humans should establish settlements on Mars, the moon, and beyond. We will read science fiction narratives on space settlement from the 20th and 21st centuries and consider how cultural and historical context has shaped this body of literature, as well as how science fiction has shaped our attitudes toward space exploration and colonization. We will also examine the question of space settlement through scholarly and popular non-fiction sources, exploring topics such as physical and mental health, reproduction, habitats, agriculture, politics, and economics. This course fulfills the WIL1 and AH2 Catamount Core requirements.

This course is primarily discussion-based. Required text: 1. A City on Mars: Can we settle space, should we settle space, and have we really thought this through? (Kelly and Zach Weinersmith, ISBN 978-0141993300). E-books and audiobooks are fine.

Grading will include attendance and participation, brief reading responses, an annotated bibliography, and a short story.