Psy 113S: Psychology & Science Fiction

Instructor: Dr. Bill Altermatt
Email: altermattw@hanover.edu
Office: 155 Science Center
Office phone: 812-866-7318
Office hours: 12-2:30 MWF, 3-4:45 TR
Time & Place: 9am-noon in the Shoebox

Overview

This course uses classic and contemporary science fiction films and literature to explore aspects of mental and social life. Although our primary focus will be on psychological issues (artificial intelligence, consciousness, emotion), the course also explores what makes us human and our love-hate relationship with technology.


Syllabus
Grades
Sample Short Story and Interpretation
Story Starter Ideas

 

Readings
Date Reading
T, 5/3 Haslam (requires on-campus access)
W, 5/4

Apartheid in South Africa

Gunz
R, 5/5 Waytz (Figure 1 from Gray, Gray, & Wegner)
M, 5/9

Green

Hayes
T, 5/10 Shelley
W, 5/11 Miedaner
R, 5/12 Shelley
M, 5/16 Asimov
T, 5/17 Dick
W, 5/18 Asimov
R, 5/19

Clarke

Brown
T, 5/24 Egan