Future Histories of Technology

This class explores both literature about future technologies and literary technologies that move across periods, regions, and disciplines. Our cultural and historical approach to future histories of technology will illuminate how race, gender and sexuality, class, and nationality structure seemingly neutral research and development, usage, and innovation. Ultimately, our goal is to see how we’re not passive consumers but active participants in reimagining the present and future of technology.

Instructor

Nathan Schneider (“Professor Schneider”)
nathan.schneider@colorado.edu (tips)
Armory 1B24
Office hours Wednesdays 3-5 pm or by appointment
Website: nathanschneider.info

Objectives

  • Become familiar with major texts and concepts relating to the future and technology
  • Explore critical perspectives on structures of power in the construction of futurity
  • Practice envisioning and crafting futures through fiction and worldbuilding

Rhythm

The course consists of a steady sequence of “epochs,” which are two week units that cover a given topic. In addition to exploring assigned materials, in each epoch students will produce a time capsule: a future-oriented artifact, accompanied by a statement that describes it in light of the assigned materials. The epochs will follow roughly a common pattern:

  • Lecture and class discussions (classes #1-2)
  • In-class reflection time on assigned materials (class #2)
  • Workshopping capsules (class #3)
  • Present completed capsule (class #4)

Attendance for all sessions is a basic expectation of the course. Please do not attend, however, if you exhibit any symptoms of illness that may be communicable. Inform the instructor of any anticipated absence before it occurs.

There is no final project or exam.

Kudos (40%)

Class participation will be evaluated with the aid of a contribution-tracking system based on “kudos.” Students will issue kudos to document and celebrate each other's contributions to the class community, such as:

  • Insightful comments or questions during class discussion
  • Impressive sharing of coursework
  • Helpful feedback on other students' work
  • Modeling leadership, support, or mentorship

The instructor will issue contribution grades based on a review of the kudos scores. This is an experimental tool and its results will be treated with serious discretion, informed by student feedback.

Capsules (60%)

For each epoch, students will produce a time capsule: an artifact from or about the future with an accompanying statement. Diverse mediums are welcome, and students should plan to use different mediums from epoch to epoch. An artifact might be, for instance, a:

  • Written, audio, or video science fiction story
  • Physical object from the future
  • Operating manual for a future technology
  • Artwork that represents a future world
  • Forecast analysis of current trends to probable futures

The extent of the work will vary by medium, but expect to produce a capsule that reflects two weeks' worth of thought and craft. Inventiveness and quality matter more than quantity.

A 300-500-word statement accompanying the artifact should explain it to the class, connecting it to the current epoch and the assigned materials.

Students will workshop complete drafts of their capsules with fellow students, before turning in a revised version before the final class of the epoch.

Evaluation rubric:

  • Artifact that reflects thoroughness, creativity, and craft
  • Complete, stylistically correct statement that explains the artifact and its relation to the theme of the epoch
  • Sophisticated engagement with at least two assigned materials
  • Complete draft ready for peer review
  • Evidence of revision and participation in peer review

Agreements

  • This syllabus is a living document and may be revised during the course. The current, binding form will be maintained on Canvas, and any changes will be explained in a Canvas announcement.
  • Use of laptops and other screen devices is not permitted during lecture and class discussions. Such devices are likely to interfere with your learning experience and that of students around you. They are permitted and likely necessary during workshopping sessions.
  • We respect one another's privacy and freedom to explore. Content shared in the course, in class or online, will not be shared beyond it without permission.
  • We adhere to basic university policies regarding accessibility and academic honesty; we take responsibility for understanding relevant policies and procedures.

Epochs

The course proceeds through a series of two-week “epochs,” each with its own set of assigned materials and creative work. All materials are accessible digitally at no cost, either on the open internet or through the campus library.

Students are not expected to study every word of the assigned materials; rather, they should generally familiarize themselves with all and choose one or two in each epoch to focus on especially.

Worldbuilding

Apocalypse

Prediction

Modernism

Liberation

Techno-optimism

Climatology


[ Notes ]