Coursework
What is Cyberpunk?
Cyberpunk literature, in general, deals with marginalized people in technologically-enhanced cultural ‘systems’. In cyberpunk stories’ settings, there is usually a ‘system’ which dominates the lives of most ‘ordinary’ people, be it an oppressive government, a group of large, paternalistic corporations, or a fundamentalist religion. These systems are enhanced by certain technologies (today advancing at a rate that is bewildering to most people), particularly ‘information technology’ (computers, the mass media), making the system better at keeping those within it inside it. Often this technological system extends into its human ‘components’ as well, via brain implants, prosthetic limbs, cloned or genetically engineered organs, etc. Humans themselves become part of ‘the Machine’. This is the ‘cyber’ aspect of cyberpunk. However, in any cultural system, there are always those who live on its margins, on ‘the Edge’: criminals, outcasts, visionaries, or those who simply want freedom for its own sake. Cyberpunk literature focuses on these people, and often on how they turn the system’s technological tools to their own ends. This is the ‘punk’ aspect of cyberpunk”
Theme for the Course
In the past, literary studies tended to overlook “genre fiction” in favour of focussing on more traditional forms of literary works. Cyberpunk (which developed from the literary traditions of gothic, detective, and science fiction and has been popularised in contemporary movies such as Blade Runner, eXistenZ, and The Matrix) has, however, become an integrated subject, along with science fiction, in the intellectual practice of literary studies. Furthermore, as this course will investigate, cyberpunk has developed strong resonance with literary theory, contemporary philosophy, and cultural studies. In short, cyberpunk has emerged as a valuable subject in contemporary literature studies.
This course covers the works of the four major writers of cyberpunk: William Gibson, Bruce Sterling, Neal Stephenson, and Pat Cadigan. Other theoretical and scholarly texts that articulate cyberpunk as a site of intellectual and literary investigation will be read and will inform discussions . Popular films (Blade Runner and The Matrix) which are good examples of cyberpunk films are will also be referred to. The thematic concerns of cyberpunk, that speak directly to contemporary issues like globalisation, corporate ethics, postmodern politics and terrorism will also be discussed.
Target Group
This course assumes a degree of familiarity with science fiction and cyberpunk as genres in film and literature. However, participants needn’t have a critical understanding of the works we will be examining – it is enough to have read some cyberpunk or seen some films, enjoyed them, and have some curiosity about the genre and the ideas that inform it.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will, hopefully, be a dyed-in-the-wool-cyberpunk-fan-for-life. And will be able to hold your own admirably in any pub quiz or argument. More than that, you should come away from this course with a deeper understanding of the traditions of the genre, and the ability to see parallels between what we have read, watched and discussed, and our constantly evolving technological reality.
Grading
In keeping with the collaborative and participatory ethos of p2pu, the grading of work in the cyberpunk course will be done by the participants themselves, through comments on the assignments and a more formal rubric. Their grading will in turn be graded by the course co-ordinator at various random points in the course to ensure that the grading is fair and of a reasonable standard. Overall participation will also be considered and factored into the grading process.
Reading and Viewing List
Cyberpunk is a rich genre with countless excellent novels and films that are fun to read and watch, as well as being excellent examples of the genre. However, due to the limited time-span of this course, and the unique nature of the P2PU experiment, only a handful of easily available texts and films form the core reading and viewing list for the course. This was done to minimise the possibility that participants from around the world might struggle to get their hands on the materials. The readings lists on the resources page offer a wider selection of books and films for anyone who wishes to expand their reading and viewing. For more information on the core texts and films, as well as supplementary materials, have a look at the Course Materials page.
Class Structure
This class will meet online once a week, for between 1-1.5 hours. Depending on people’s location and facilities, we may do a conference call, IM or some other type of online chat. Dpending on time zones, we may schedule 1 or 2 meetings. Once we’re done with enrollment, we’ll schedule the course meetings with the group.
Classes will be divided into 2 sections: wrap up/feedback of any discussion from the previous week for a maximum of 30 minutes, and then the scheduled discussion for the rest of the class.