Science fiction stories, art, and movies have always reflected the times in which they were made, articulating our hopes and fears about our future. By studying sci-fi movies, and especially those lesser-known and made since the sci-fi renaissance of 1977, we’ll develop a deeper appreciation of the prevalent themes and ideas about humanity that these films encompass—our engagement with technology and how it changes and defines us as humans; the possibilities of time travel, exploration, alien life, climate change, and our tendency to make war. We’ll consider the consequences of our own evolution as a species and finding our place in the cosmos. This semester we’ll explore these themes in “Mirror Darkley: The Twin Stranger,” “Did I Do That? Prometheus Redux,” “Get Out: The Urge to Explore,” and “Strange Neighbors: Aliens Arrived.” We’ll start each week’s screening with about a dozen slides including the movie’s trailer, factoids from the history and context of the time of its production, and interesting trivia. After the screening, we’ll facilitate a brief group discussion. Note: Course starts one week late; no class on March 18; ends April 22. Limit 20.

Rex Schuller and Adam Miller
10:00—Noon Wednesday, Starts Feb. 25
Bethany Lutheran Church, Chapel
3701 W. Slaughter Lane (78749)