In 1901, absurdist playwright Alfred Jarry penned what he called a “neo- scientific novel,” The Exploits and Opinions of Dr. Faustroll, in which he developed the theory of pataphysics – a “science of imaginary solutions.”
Using some simple ideas derived from Jarry, we will explore how novelists, poets, artists and filmmakers of the past century infused concepts of science and technology with imagination and humor in ways that warp, stretch, and rearrange popular expectations of “sci-fi.” We will read a handful of short novels, as well as novel excerpts, scientific essays, articles, manifestos, websites, and short stories (provided in .pdf format on D2L), covering a range of topics: time travel, quantum physics, alternate realities, cyborgs, and bio-engineering to name just a few.
Questions? Contact instructor: Matt Trease CRT 518 mjtrease@uwm.edu
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