Overview

‘Future Worlds’ investigates the dystopian and utopian imagination, and the ways in which the texts it produces represent the future. The module considers how writers from different periods and cultures imagine the future especially in moments of historical change and tumult. Students will consider the differences between dystopian and utopian writing in a range of cultural and historical contexts, as well as the differences and similarities between these genres and those considered in ‘Other Worlds’. They will examine how dystopia/utopia manifest in various genres – including Young Adult fiction, solarpunk and non-fiction manifestos - and how the text intervenes in its contemporary moment to make possible a different kind of future.

The module's syllabus will be updated each year, but students can expect to read English-language literature from across the world which covers some of the following themes:

• writing that tries to change the world
• dystopian futures
• utopian futures
• depictions of gender and sexuality
• climate change and the environment
• post-humanism, technology and the digital revolution
• Young Adult fiction
• childhood
• race and class
• war
• social and political change

Writers studied may vary from year to year, but are likely to include: George Orwell, Kazuo Ishiguro, Margaret Atwood, Ursula K. Le Guin, Thomas More, Jennifer Egan, William Morris

Assessment Strategy

50-59% A Pass (C) candidate’s work will show many of the following qualities: •A satisfactory level of knowledge, analysis and expression. •Some familiarity with, and understanding of, relevant theoretical issues. •Generally sound organisation of argument, with some critical ability. •Accurate expression. •Competent use of quotation and references.

60-69% A candidate’s work reaching Merit will show many of the following qualities: •An advanced level of factual knowledge. •Significant [substantial] knowledge of relevant theories and types of analysis. •Some evidence of original thought. •The ability to organise and argue effectively, make balanced judgements, and demonstrate critical thought. •Fluent and accurate expression. •Competent use of quotation and references.

70% and above Typically, the work of a candidate reaching Distinction will show many of the following qualities: •Thorough knowledge and understanding of relevant theories and types of analysis. •Thorough knowledge of a range of sources and the capacity to engage these critically. •Introduction and discussion of original ideas. •Relevant, well-organised and sophisticated argument. •High ratio of analysis to exposition. •Maturity, clarity and cogency of expression. •Excellent handling of quotation and references.

Learning Outcomes

• Appraise the complex relationship between form, the future and the contemporary in dystopian and utopian writing.

• Assess the representation of the future in dystopian and utopian writing.

• Critically compare how writers from different periods and cultures imagine the future especially in moments of historical change and tumult.

• Interpret and evaluate key formal aspects of dystopian / utopian writing in various genres – including Young Adult fiction, solarpunk and non-fiction manifestos.