Scientists and Aliens have been two of the major ingredients in the popular genre of science fiction in the twentieth century. In more recent fiction, the representation both of scientist characters of alien life have arguably taken on new qualities. They even take on a kind of urgency when placed in the context of discussions about the Anthropocene.
Our seminar is set against the background of a wider development in literary writing and literary studies over the past few decades: At least since the turn of the twenty-first century, literary writing has incorporated elements from science fiction, and science fiction has moved much closer towards recognition as literary writing, than was traditionally the case, and literary scholarship has widely begun to take notice.
Our seminar approaches some key aspects of such cross-over writing by focusing on two fairly recent novels, examining their representations of scientists and of alien life in connection with relevant traditions and current debates.

The following texts will be covered:
Jeff Vandermeer. Annihilation. London: HarperCollins / Fourth Estate, 2014.
Peter Watts. Blindsight. New York: Tor, 2006.
Additional shorter materials will also be included. Please purchase and read the two novels as early as possible. (Both are available locally, though Blindsight has a longer delivery span, so please order early).
Participation as a rule requires an oral input as part of active participation. Credits for BA Anglistik based on “Referat mit Ausarbeitung” (6 KP). All students with different course goals or requirements, please contact me.