This course explores how women have used science fiction, fantasy, and horror to imagine new relationships among gender, science, culture, and power for more than two centuries.
Each unit is structured in two parts. We begin by studying the historical development of women’s work in a speculative genre, then turn to contemporary writers who continue to reshape that tradition.
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Use disciplinary terminology from speculative fiction studies accurately and professionally
- Analyze how women’s speculative writing engages questions of gender, culture, and science
- Conduct research using Georgia Tech library resources and field-specific scholarly tools
- Communicate analytical and creative ideas clearly in written and multimodal forms
This course uses instructor-created lectures as its primary textbook. Lecture outlines and key terminology are available on Canvas (Files section).
After each lecture, students will read selected essays and short stories that apply and extend lecture concepts. All readings are available through Canvas or linked directly in the syllabus.
Students will complete three major projects, which may be analytic essays or creative projects. Full instructions are available on Canvas.
Grade Breakdown
- Project 1 — 30%
- Project 2 — 30%
- Project 3 — 30%
- Participation — 10%
Grading Scale (1000 points total)
- A: 1000–900
- B: 899–800
- C: 799–700
- D: 699–650
- F: 649–0
Detailed grading criteria are posted on Canvas. Because students have multiple opportunities for feedback before deadlines, grades are final and will not be debated after submission.
Regular attendance is expected.
- Students may miss up to three classes without penalty
- Beginning with the fourth unexcused absence, the final grade is reduced by 50 points per absence
- Missing six or more classes may result in failure of the course
Attendance is recorded via a sign-in sheet. Late arrivals must provide class notes to receive attendance credit.
Documented absences for institute-approved activities or medical/family emergencies will not count against you if documentation is provided within one week.
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. All work submitted must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in immediate consequences as outlined in the university's academic integrity policy.
* As per the University System of Georgia, this is a Core IMPACTS course that is part of the Humanities area.
Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course will help master course content, and support students’ broad academic and career goals.
This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question:
- How do I interpret the human experience through creative, linguistic, and philosophical works?
Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcome:
- Students will effectively analyze and interpret the meaning, cultural significance, and ethical implications of literary/philosophical texts or of works in the visual/performing arts.
Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies:
- Ethical Reasoning
- Information Literacy
- Intercultural Competence