Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title PHIL 2001: Science Fiction and Philosophy

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 3 (3 lecture)
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) None
Other requirements College level reading and writing is recommended
MnTC Goals (if any) Goal 6/The Humanities, the Arts, Literature, and Philosophy, Goal 7a/Human Diversity, Goal 7b/Race, Power, and Justice in the United States

Course Description

This course will explore philosophical themes in the context of science fiction (and fantasy) literature and film. Major topics include the relationship between mind and body, the nature of scientific inquiry, and issues concerning social and political philosophy and the philosophy of race and gender. Students will learn to apply basic methods of philosophical inquiry and will engage with work from a culturally diverse selection of authors and filmmakers. The material will be selected to expand the students’ knowledge of the human condition and cultures, especially regarding ideas, values, and institutions. Particular attention will be given to the cultivation of critical reading and writing.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

November, 2024

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. A selection from the following content areas will be explored in the context of science fiction film and literature:
  2. Philosophical Methodology
  3. Justice and Equality
  4. War and Terrorism
  5. Philosophy of Sex and Gender
  6. Philosophy and Race
  7. Philosophy of Science and Mind
  8. Knowledge and Skepticism
  9. Free Will and Personal Identity
  10. God and Religion
  11. Existentialism and/or the Meaning of Life
  12. Theoretical and Applied Ethics
  13. Philosophy of Film and Literature

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Identify the major areas of philosophical inquiry.
  2. Analyze abstract philosophical concepts relevant to understanding science fiction film and literature.
  3. Read and respond critically to philosophical issues raised in science fiction film and literature.
  4. Critically examine ideas about race, gender, and sex
  5. Formulate extended verbal and written arguments in response to these issues.
  6. Appreciate multiculturalism and understand other world views.
  7. Formulate their own philosophical positions and justify them according to the course material.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 6/The Humanities, the Arts, Literature, and Philosophy

The student will be able to:

  1. Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a historical and social context.
  2. Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
  3. Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.
Goal 7b/Race, Power, and Justice in the United States

The student will be able to:

  1. Examine significant challenges of and contributions by people in the United States who have experienced racism and other forms of oppression such as sexism, classism, ableism, heterosexism, transphobia, antisemitism, and Islamophobia.
  2. Identify communication and relational skills necessary for living and working effectively in a racially, culturally, ethnically, and linguistically stratified society with historic and ongoing practices and structures of exclusion.
  3. Identify socially just and antiracist practices that increase equitable outcomes and inclusion in the United States.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Global Awareness and Diversity
Students will demonstrate an understanding of and respect for human diversity through their words and actions.

Special Information (if any)

None