Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

US 268 Utopia/Dystopia


In this course students examine the twin phenomena of utopian/dystopian thought from several disciplinary angles–philosophical, political, literary, religious, and architectural. In doing so students will also explore the myriad ways in which utopian and dystopian thinking are related forms of social critique of the present moment. We will read novels, watch films, learn about experimental living on communes, and examine the plans of architects and urban planners. Throughout the semester we will ask questions like: what motivates people to try to construct a perfect world? What do utopian and dystopian expressions tell us about a society’s values? Where is the line between utopian and dystopian thinking?