Review of Science Fiction and Politics, Courtney Brown, Emory

Science Fiction and Politics, Courtney Brown, Emory University

Different, but I'm glad I didn't pay tuition.

☆

“I was intrigued to subscribe to a subscribe to a podcast discussing the interaction of politics and science fiction in some novels which I have read and enjoyed. The idea of listening into a course of study taught by a PhD. I downloaded the classes discussing the novels that I had read, with the intention of then reading and downloading the remainder. Unfortunately, I was so disappointed by the podcast, I've abandoned that plan (however, it has served as a kick in the pants to read some of the classics of science fiction that I haven't yet read). I found Dr. Brown's presentation style grating, and disagree with many of his conclusions. It quickly becomes obvious that the professor is well read in the works of the Towering Masters of The Golden Age of Science Fiction, but as the timeline creeps towards the present, his working knowledge of the science fiction of the day becomes more and more shaky. The choice of his material is also puzzling, as he concentrates solely on novels, instead of incorporating short stories, novellas (the original Foundation instalments being the exception), and only passing references are made to popular science fiction films and television series. In many instances, the professor demonstrates his a lack of knowledge on related materials to the novels on the booklist. A glaring example of his can be is the first part of the Neuromancer by William Gibson class. If you're going to teach a course of study, I feel the most knowledgable individual should be the teacher. The occasional reference to William Gibson as "Mel" can be chalked up to a simple lack of concentration, but Dr. Brown's meandering discussion leadership and shocking lack of knowledge of the material is thrust into the limelight in this particular class. I am glad to see a course like this taught. I find it demoralizing when I go to my nearest chain bookshop, only to find the science fiction section smaller than it was on my previous visit, and what little space remains is increasingly dominated by franchise fiction based on movies, video games and comic books. I feel that the course is being poorly taught, and in doing so its teaching lowers the potential profile of such a potentially interesting course. I find it particularly galling that the in-class happenings are then broadcast. I give this course of study three stars only because I feel the course, better taught, has great potential.”

Olunclegearhead via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 08/19/10

More reviews of Science Fiction and Politics, Courtney Brown, Emory University

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Excellent lectures

☆

“I just wish the professor's students were less dumb. Also, a later version of the course would have been great (this one has several lectures from 2006).”

Hadas_S via Apple Podcasts · Israel · 05/08/11

Rivetting stuff

☆

“I am a CG artist, and have these amazing podcasts playing while I work. Professor Brown's clarity of thought cuts to the quick of and coalesces many disparate ideas that have befuddled me for decades. He allows ideas to ripen at just the right slow, judicial pace. He's a true child of the...”Read full review »

Syriana1971 via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 10/09/10

Interesting, But Seriously Left-Leaning

☆

“It is interesting to listen (in 2010) to the teacher discuss tax policy and apocalyptic warnings about the environment. Now, the current debt is skyrocketing and the credibility of environmental alarmism is plummeting. Anyway, Dr. Brown is very personable and knowledgeable. His presuppositions...”Read full review »

RJ1234 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/15/10

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