English 549: Issues in Literature: Cli Fi
Session: Spring, 2016
Instructor: Dr. Marjorie Allison
Mailbox: 122 Simpkins Hall
Office Ph.: main office: 298:1103
Office: 115/16 Simpkins Hall
Office Hours: M, W, F 9:15-10
W, F 11-11:50, and by appt.
Email: MC-Allison@wiu.edu
(best contact)
Required Texts:
Adams, John Joseph, ed. Loosed Upon the World: The Sago Anthology of Climate Fiction
Atwood, Margaret. Oryx and Crake
Ballard, J. G. The Drowned World: A Novel 50th Anniversery
Kingsolver, Barbara. Flight Behavior
Martin, ed. I’m with the Bears
Squarzoni, Philippe. Climate Changed: A Personal Journey through the Science
Theroux,… Far North
Watkins. Claire Vaye. Gold Fame Citrus
***I will also be posting articles at WesternOnline throughout the semester that will be required
reading.
Course Description:
Eng 549 is a course which explores a contemporary issue in literary studies. This spring the
topic will be the emerging field of cli-fi (climate fiction) in light of canonical and prize-winning
authors such as Margaret Atwood, Paolo Bacigalupi, J. G. Ballard, and David Mitchell, among
others.
In a 2005 article written for the Guardian, Robert Macfarlane asked the following question:
“Where are the novels, the plays, the poems, the songs, the libretti, of this massive
contemporary anxiety?…[A]n imaginative repertoire is urgently needed by which the causes
and consequences of climate change can be debated, sensed, and communicated.”
We will consider how some powerhouse writers have and are addressing the questions of
climate change and evolution. We will explore what such acclaimed writers bring to an
emerging genre, but a genre that emerges out of an often discounted genre, science fiction (or
may not—depending where the term originated). Finally, we will consider how the books on this
list begin to “speak” to each other when read together and if they are forming a useful canon of
their own. Our reading may also include reading nonfiction work which attempts to engage the
reading public in questions of social and public policy around questions of climate change.
Requirements and Grading:
Participation: In this course students are expected to participate fully in class discussion. This
is not a lecture course and will operate as a seminar. Each student must come to class each
day ready and willing to raise questions and make comments about the text at hand. Students
will be asked to bring in outside materials at times. The success and quality of the course is in
the hands of the students--only full participation and commitment will make the course “work” to
its fullest potential. Each student will be asked to help lead class discussion and to present
summaries of a review and a critical essay of a novel or related topic at least once this
semester. Short presentation of final paper will also be included in class participation. (Class
Participation is about 15% of the final grade)
Short Papers: You will write two short formal "working" papers. These papers will be about 6
pages long. In the papers you will respond to one or two of the texts and explore a question of
interest to you. (First short paper, 10% of final grade; second short paper, 15% of final grade)
Online Discussion: You will be required to participate in an online discussion of course
materials throughout the semester. Minimums will be: one original post per week, two
responses to other students’ posts per week. (Online Discussion is about 10% of the final
grade)
Annotated Bibliography: You will turn in an annotated bibliography citing a minimum of eight
sources: two of which must be reviews and two of which must be critical essays of the text you
choose to work with in your final, long paper. You must also annotate two additional sources
for the text you work with in your class presentation (one review, one critical essay).
(Annotated Bibliography is about 15% of the final grade)
Long Paper: You will write one long, 12-15 page, analytical essay about one or more of the
texts we have read for the semester. You must incorporate secondary sources for this paper.
More details to follow. (Long paper is about 35% of the final grade)
General Information
--Participation, Attendance and Punctuality: Because this course is based upon class
discussion, attendance and participation are crucial to the success of the course and the
success of individual students in the course. In order to participate you must not only attend
class but also arrive on time. If you are absent, it is up to you to find out from classmates what
material you have missed and to find out what you need to do for the next class session. Any
student who falls into a pattern of absenteeism will find his or her final grade adversely effected;
persistent lateness will have a similar effect. Each student is allowed two absences for the
semester--no questions asked. For each absence beyond two, I will deduct one grade from
your final grade for Class Participation. A pattern of chronic absences will result in the final,
overall grade being lowered.
--Conduct: I expect my classes operate with great respect for a large diversity of ideas and
viewpoints. This atmosphere is essential in any academic setting. I expect all students to
respect and listen to other viewpoints—I do not expect all students to agree on issues. So,
mature, respectful, and thoughtful dialogue is encouraged. Insensitive comments and conduct
will not be tolerated, whether aimed at me or at a class member. Please see the Code of
Student Conduct: http://www.wiu.edu/policies/stucode.shtml.
--Papers will be submitted both electronically and in hard copy and may be returned
electronically.
-- Grades on late papers will be lowered half of a grade for each day late unless you have made
special arrangements with me before the due date.--I reserve the right to not write comments
on late papers.
--Grading is done in accordance with college guidelines and are earned according to the
following standard:
100-93 = A
92-90 = A89-87 = B+
86-83 = B
82-80 = B79-77 = C+
76-73 = C
72-70 = C69-67 = D+
66-63 = D
62-60 = D59 and below = F
--See the college handbook for more information on grading and on scholastic dishonesty
(HONEST WORK IS EXPECTED, I cannot say this strongly enough. Plagiarism will be
reported to CAGAS).
--All assignments must be completed in order to pass the course.
--Please turn off your cellphone ringer when in class, and please refrain from texting during
class.
--A final note--you are urged to keep an extra copy of your papers and of any other important
work. If you work at a computer, make a physical backup of your working disk--backup the
disk, don’t just backup the files.
Reading Schedule
(This schedule and list is subject to change according to the needs of the class. All changes
will be announced in class, and it is up to you to keep informed about any changes.)
1/25
Class Introduction: Climate Changed
2/1
Ballard-The Drowned World and articles
2/8
Begin Theroux- Far North, stories and articles
2/15
Finish Far North, stories and articles
2/22
Begin Kingsolver-Flight Behavior, stories and articles
2/29
Finish Flight Behavior, stories and articles, FIRST SHORT PAPER DUE
3/7
I’m with the Bears and articles
3/14
SPRING BREAK
3/21
Begin Atwood- Oryx and Crake, stories and articles
3/28
Finsh Oryx and Crake, stories and articles; SECOND SHORT PAPER DUE
4/4
Begin Watkins-Gold Fame Citrus, stories and articles
4/11
Finish Gold Fame Citrus, stories and articles
4/18
TBD; Annotated Bib Due
4/25
TBD
5/2
TBD, Final Paper Due
Final Meeting: 5/9
For the class to decide: Clara Hume’s Back to the Garden or Nathaniel Rich’s Odds Against
Tomorrow