Lavender, Isiah
MTWRF 9:30 AM
Park Hall 144
Police and Science Fiction
This class will consider representations of law enforcement in science fiction, where techno-powered cops make use of surveillance technologies to continue the violent oppression of America’s most vilified and vulnerable citizens in one strand. In another strand advanced technology aids officers in solving crimes and putting criminals where they belong. Consequently, we will grapple with sci-fi that explores the dangers of a militarized police force that are meant to protect and to serve the populace wherever it may be (starships, other worlds, or Earth). We will look at short stories, novels, and films in our examination of corruption, unrestrained police power, and brutality. Mystery, suspense, and the law procedural blended into science fiction packaging provides a veiled critique of the meaning of justice.
Primary Texts:
Flow My Tears, the Policeman Said – Philip K. Dick
All Systems Red: The Murderbot Diaries – Martha Wells
Altered Carbon – Richard K. Morgan
After Atlas – Emma Newman
The Forever Watch – David Ramirez
Films TBD