Living Literature Seminar Fall 2014
Imagining the Other: Star Trek and Doctor Who
ENGL 4901-01
In this one-hour seminar, we will examine the reboot versions of two groundbreaking science fiction series, Star Trek (TNG) and Doctor Who to consider issues of subjectivity, intersubjectivity, and objectification.[1] Both of these TV shows feature humans interacting with aliens and depict the many ways that alien societies might differ from our own cultures, although the two shows differ greatly based on the perspectives that their protagonists represent: in ST we are doing the exploring, while in DW we are the ones being explored.
These shows also ask us indirectly to reflect on our notions of virtue, power, and justice—ultimately, what it means to be human. Therefore, in this class we will explore questions such as:
For more information, contact Dr. Christina V. Cedillo.
[1] FYI: Subjectivity refers to our ability to assert our perspective on the world around us; intersubjectivity is how our perspectives and how we see ourselves as people shift by engaging with others; and objectification is the process by which we impose our perspectives on others to assert dominance.
Imagining the Other: Star Trek and Doctor Who
ENGL 4901-01
In this one-hour seminar, we will examine the reboot versions of two groundbreaking science fiction series, Star Trek (TNG) and Doctor Who to consider issues of subjectivity, intersubjectivity, and objectification.[1] Both of these TV shows feature humans interacting with aliens and depict the many ways that alien societies might differ from our own cultures, although the two shows differ greatly based on the perspectives that their protagonists represent: in ST we are doing the exploring, while in DW we are the ones being explored.
These shows also ask us indirectly to reflect on our notions of virtue, power, and justice—ultimately, what it means to be human. Therefore, in this class we will explore questions such as:
- What changes when the focus of exploration shifts from human to alien?
- How does either show depict human interaction with nonhuman animals and robotic life?
- How does the rhetorical scheme of discovery allow us to engage complex issues such as colonization, oppression, and genocide?
- In what ways does either series highlight important issues related to ecology and technology and the effects of industrialization on our world?
- How does one’s impression of the Self change over time as one interacts with others and the world?
For more information, contact Dr. Christina V. Cedillo.
[1] FYI: Subjectivity refers to our ability to assert our perspective on the world around us; intersubjectivity is how our perspectives and how we see ourselves as people shift by engaging with others; and objectification is the process by which we impose our perspectives on others to assert dominance.
