HON214 Honors Seminar: Politics, Science, and Religion in Frank Herbert s Duniverse (Spring 2016)

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1 HON214 Honors Seminar: Politics, Science, and Religion in Frank Herbert s Duniverse (Spring 2016) Class #34057 (3 credit hours) Meeting time: TR 2:00-3:20 PM, Capen 108. Instructor: Professor Troy D. Wood Office: 417 Natural Sciences Complex Office Hrs.: Thurs 3:30-4:30 PM; Fri 11AM-Noon. Phone: Dept. of Chemistry twood@buffalo.edu Course web site is at Overview Frank Herbert s novel Dune is considered by most literary critics to be one of the masterpieces of science fiction literature, and was recognized with the Hugo and Nebula Awards as best science fiction novel in The setting of Dune and its five sequels written by Frank Herbert is known as the Duniverse. The Duniverse is set thousands of years in the future, where the human race has settled much of the known galaxy. Civilization has developed many advanced technologies, although computers are strictly forbidden. Emperor Shaddam Corrino IV leads the imperium; noble houses rule individual planets throughout the galaxy. Dune begins as House Atreides, the noble family ruling the planet Caladan, is awarded a new fiefdom on the planet Arrakis (or Dune) by the Emperor. But this reward is actually part of a trap set by the Emperor and House Harkonnen, sworn enemies of House Atreides. Arrakis is the only planet on which the most valuable substance in the universe, the spice mélange, is found. Melange is critical to the economics of the empire, as it allows travel between different star systems by the folding of space by navigators who are members of the Spacing Guild. In this setting, Herbert weaves an intricate plot using a unique setting, strong characters, and a variety of themes that evolve over the course of the six book series. Throughout the course, we will discuss how Herbert s novels in the Duniverse explore diverse themes including political intrigue, technology, ecology, genetics, cloning, religion, heroism, family, loyalty, and the rise and fall of empires. Symbolism of mélange and water throughout the novels will be discussed. We will also examine how Dune has been translated into theatrical works, including David Lynch s movie Dune (1984) and the SciFi Channel s two miniseries, Dune and Children of Dune, and compare them to the original written works. Class participation, in-classes quizzes, and four papers will be used to assess student performance. 1

2 Readings: Dune, Dune: Messiah, Children of Dune, God Emperor of Dune, Heretics of Dune, Chapterhouse: Dune Films (viewed in class): Dune (1984), Dune (2000), Children of Dune Grading: The grade will be distributed as follows: Five In-Class Quizzes 20% Four Papers (4 pages minimum) 60% In-class participation 20% There are five scheduled quizzes. These quizzes, which consist of short answer and fill-in the blank questions, are essentially meant to keep everyone intellectually honest about having done the readings. The largest fraction of the grade is determined from four 4-page MINIMUM papers which are meant to provide the student s own analysis of one essay topic from a choice of several related to the readings and films we will be discussing. Grades will be based on the strength, logic, detail, and organization of the thoughts presented. Originality is highly encouraged. For top marks, high quality grammar and spelling are expected. In addition, near the end of the semester students will be required to prepare a short synopsis and analysis of one character from the six books of the original Dune series. Discussion between students and the instructor are essential for any seminar course. Therefore, regular contributions to the course discussion are expected of each student. As such, a full 15% of the grade will be based upon each student s contributions to our regular discussions. No examinations will be held in this course, including no final examination. Required Books: Dune Dune: Messiah Children of Dune God Emperor of Dune Heretics of Dune Chapterhouse: Dune 2

3 Any unabridged version of any of these books is acceptable, including ebook editions. Students are encouraged to bring whichever book is being discussed to class as source material to help solidify their analyses. Course Schedule Week 1. 1/26 Introduction to Dune, the Duniverse, and Frank Herbert 1/28 Discussion on Book I of Dune called Dune Week 2. 2/2 Dune (1984) film 2/4 Dune (1984) film, Discussion on Book II of Dune called Maud dib Week 3. 2/9 Discussion on Book II and Book III of Dune called The Prophet 2/11 Sci-Fi Miniseries Dune (2000), Part I Week 4. 2/16 Sci-Fi Miniseries Dune (2000), Part II 2/18 Quiz 1, Continue discussion on Book III of Dune Week 5. 2/23 Discussion on Dune: Messiah Part I 2/25 Quiz 2, Discussion on Dune: Messiah Part II, Paper #1 Due. 3

4 Week 6. 3/1 Sci-Fi Miniseries Children of Dune (2003), Episode I (based on the book Dune Messiah) 3/3 Sci-Fi Miniseries Children of Dune (2003), Episode II (based on the book of same name) Week 7. 3/8 Sci-Fi Miniseries Children of Dune (2003), Episode III (based on the book of same name) 3/10 Discussion on Children of Dune Parts I and II Week 8. SPRING BREAK. Comicon Toronto is on March 18-20, 2016 Week 9. 3/22 Discussion on Children of Dune Part III, Review of Original Trilogy, Paper #2 Due 3/24 Discussion on God Emperor of Dune Parts I and II Week 10. 3/29 Discussion on God Emperor of Dune Parts II and III 3/31 Quiz 3, Discussion on God Emperor of Dune Part III and What is Leto II s Golden Path? Week 11. 4/5 Discussion on Heretics of Dune Part I 4

5 4/7 Discussion on Heretics of Dune Part II, Paper #3 Due Week 12. 4/12 Discussion on Heretics of Dune Part III 4/14 Quiz 4, Discussion on the Atreides Manifesto, the Bene Gesserit, and Gholas Week 13. 4/19 Discussion on Chapterhouse: Dune Part I 4/21 Discussion on Chapterhouse: Dune Part II Week 14. 4/26 Discussion on Chapterhouse: Dune Part III 4/28 Quiz 5, Discussion: Where did the No Ship Go? and Who are Daniel and Marty? Week 15. 5/5 Critical overview of original Dune series 5/7 Dunibration!, Paper #4 Due Other Important Dates: Last day to Drop/Add without financial penalty: February 1, 2016 SPRING BREAK: March 12-20, 2016 Last day to Resign with a Grade of R: April 15,

6 Students Needing Accommodations: If you have a disability (physical, learning, or psychological) which may make it difficult for you to carry out the work as outlined, and/or, requires accommodations such as recruiting note takers, readers, or extended time on examinations and assignments, please contact the Office of Disability Services, 25 Capen Hall, , and also the instructor within the first two weeks of class. Accessibility Resources will provide you with information and review appropriate arrangements for reasonable accommodations. 6