Utopian & Dystopian Literature ((4 Credits))

Catalog description

What is an ideal society? What potential for peace and equality do humans possess? In what ways do our contemporary cultures manifest a utopian impulse, if they do? Is the concept of utopia of value? If so, why? This course explores narratives about ideal communities-places where people live without war, hunger, or need. Such narratives use a variety of fictional situations (such as dreams, travel tales, futuristic visions) to present the ideal culture. As with any examination of other cultures (real or fictional), this study will help you examine your own culture, reflect on it from a broader perspective, and develop new insight into your cultural assumptions and values. This course was previously Ideal Worlds: Utopian Literature.