Prophetess of Afrofuturism: Reading Octavia Butler
How do you predict the future? Prescient and incisive, the "Mother of Afrofuturism" Octavia E. Butler predicted many ills of our time in her works, from the LA fires to the rise of populism. Exploring themes like race, colonialism, and symbiosis through her imagined worlds, Butler radically expanded the bounds of science fiction, fantasy, and horror to address social and existential concerns through a Black lens. In this introductory course, we will read a selection of her short fiction, diving into her literary genius. No previous knowledge necessary! Note: This class has one required text.
Your Instructor
PhD Candidate in English Literature
University of Oxford
Welcome! I am a PhD Candidate in English at Stanford University and have researched/taught Black literature and film for 5 years. My work largely focuses on scifi, fantasy, horror and pop culture, ranging from Jordan Peele's Get Out to Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower. In both my teaching and research, I explore connections between race and genre-specific concepts like monstrosity, utopia, and apocalypse.
What you'll learn
Develop a robust understanding of Octavia Butler's life, her short fiction, and her role in the genre of Afrofuturism
Understand how Butler's imagined worlds diagnose and predict real social, political, and existential concerns
Hone ability to identify, analyze, and discuss literary devices and strategies used in speculative fiction
Construct, articulate, and defend literary arguments in discussion through specific, textual evidence and building on others' contributions.
Course Schedule
Remember, absolutely no previous knowledge is required for this course! To open our class, we will read one essay by and other about Butler and (optional) share any prior knowledge about her, Afrofuturism, and science fiction more generally. Together, we will define key terms, norms, expectations for the weeks ahead!
What You Get
Live interactive sessions
Engage in real-time discussions with expert instructors
Small discussion groups
Up to 15 students for personalized attention
Session recordings
Review and revisit class content anytime
Dedicated platform
Track progress and organize your schedule
Frequently asked questions
Course-specific questions
Your Instructor
PhD Candidate in English Literature
University of Oxford
Welcome! I am a PhD Candidate in English at Stanford University and have researched/taught Black literature and film for 5 years. My work largely focuses on scifi, fantasy, horror and pop culture, ranging from Jordan Peele's Get Out to Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower. In both my teaching and research, I explore connections between race and genre-specific concepts like monstrosity, utopia, and apocalypse.