"Science fiction, at its best, engenders the sort of flexible thinking that not only inspires us, but compels us to consider the myriad potential consequences of our actions.” -Eileen Gunn, Smithsonian Magazine (May 2014)

Science fiction can offer exciting, fascinating stories. But science fiction-- by imagining worlds so different from our own-- also offers a kind of mirror that can help us both understand and evaluate the real world. The overall goal of this course is to give students the opportunity to think widely, deeply, and collaboratively about the society in which we all live through science fiction novels, films, and stories, as well as classic writings in social theory.

We will pursue this goal through two very different kinds of texts: classical social theory (written by social scientists) and science fiction novels and films (written by, well, novelists and screenwriters). Why bring these two together? First is simply the intellectual challenge of it. What better way to push ourselves to think widely, deeply, and collaboratively about society than to try and get our heads around such completely different kinds of writing. But on another level, science fiction stories and non-fiction theories of society have a lot in common.

"Science fiction helps us think about possibilities, to speculate - it helps us look at our society from a different perspective." -Mae Jemison, physician, NASA astronaut, and first African-American woman in space

Science fiction's speculation about possibilities is what makes it such fertile ground for studying society. We'll explore science fiction and social theory in their own terms, as well as how they speak to each other in interesting and important ways.

Students who take this course can expect to get out of it:

• a broader, deeper understanding of how social systems operate
• a greater appreciation for the complex relationship between individuals and institutions
• expanded knowledge of the causes and consequences of culture and norms
• an increased ability to think critically
• better collaborative discussion skills
• knowledge of core texts in social theory
• some great sci-fi stories!

Homework outside of class will include a fairly heavy amount of reading, including several science fiction novels and short stories as well as shorter excerpts from classic writings in social theory.

There will also be a number of writing assignments, leading up to each student writing their very own science fiction short story, which they'll also annotate with information and analysis about how the story speculates on the possibilities of our social world.

Lasers, Aliens, & Black Holes is taught by Professor Ziad Munson. The last time this course was taught (in 2019), the average student rating for the how how well the course was organized was 5.0 out of 5; how well Professor Munson's teaching methods contributed to student understanding of course material was 4.9 out of 5; and how responsive he was to student difficulties and questions was 4.9 out of 5. Here's some of the feedback past students have shared about the course:

"The social concepts we have learned have already changed my perspective of life, government, society, and so much more."

"The professor was very gracious with explaining concepts of the reading and moving the seminar discussions forward....I always enjoyed his class, and I am going to miss it a lot!"

"I really liked writing the short story. It helped me realize how much I learned."

"I really liked the discussions and hearing insights from my peers."

Dr. Munson is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Lehigh. His research and teaching focuses on social movement mobilization and political violence. He is the author of The Making of Pro-Life Activists, a study of recruitment and mobilization in the American pro-life movement (University of Chicago Press, 2009), and Abortion Politics, an examination of the century-old history of the abortion debate (Polity, 2018). He is also the author of various articles on social movements, religion, terrorism, and civil society. His latest research project focuses on understanding the political geography of America’s suburbs, particularly the dramatic changes that have occurred in conservative politics. Munson received his BA from the University of Chicago in 1993 and his PhD from Harvard University in 2002. Beyond his professional work, Ziad enjoys cooking, hiking, playing soccer, and-- yes-- reading science fiction novels.