From Scientifiction to Afrofuturism and Beyond: Genre, Gender, and Race in American Science Fiction, 7.5 credits

Course description

The course addresses the history of the science fiction genre in an American context, from its formation in the early 20th century to its current developments. A selection of key texts, including a few important precursors, are studied with a focus on genre identity and the cultural work these texts perform. The material examined is mainly print fiction. Through perspectives from genre theory, different ways of defining and operationalizing the concept of “science fiction” and its variants are examined, discussed in relation to literary value, and placed in social and historical contexts. Particular attention is paid to how feminist, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC authors (black, indigenous, and people of color) have claimed a place in the genre and the negotiations of the genre’s identity and cultural impact that have taken place in connection to these developments.

Admission requirements

To be eligible to participate in the course and the examinations included in the course, the applicant must be admitted to doctoral-level education at Örebro University or at another Swedish or Nordic higher education institution.

Practical information

The course is offered during the autumn semester of 2026.
The course is delivered online.
Mode of study: Half-time
Number of places: 15
Language: English

Preliminary course dates:
11 September
25 September
9 October
30 October
20 November

Application to the course

Registration is open and closes on 21 August 2026:
To registration