FRS 002AA — Sec. 001 — (2 unit) — CRN 53635 — R 2:10 – 4:00 pm — 175A Phys/Geo
Hollywood Goes to Mars

Instructor: Kenneth L. Verosub, Department of Geology, College of Letters and Science

Description: Ever since Georges Melies made the first science fiction film (Le Voyage dans la Lune or A Trip to the Moon) in 1902, film makers have been fascinated with the idea of travelling to other planets and encountering alien creatures. Although such films can be entertaining, they also provide information about the social and cultural context in which the films were made. This seminar will focus on American films that deal with space travel, mainly to Mars, and with encounters with aliens, mainly Martians. We will begin by looking at science fiction films from the Cold War Era, such as Forbidden Planet, War of the Worlds, and The Day the Earth Stood Still. Through such films, we will seek to determine how Americans in the 1950s viewed travel to strange lands and encounters with strange peoples here on earth. We will then examine how these views evolved over the next fifty years as reflected in science fiction films such as 2001, The Martian Chronicles, Star Trek, and Mission to Mars. Finally, we will look at recent parodies, such as Mars Attacks and Galaxy Quest, to determine what, if anything, we can learn from them. As a final exercise, students will be asked to consider how they would make a science fiction movie that reflects the current attitudes in this country toward "foreigners". The primary goal for student learning will be to demonstrate that films, which students have probably only considered as a means of entertainment, can be the subject of serious discourse and analysis. A secondary goal will be to show students how films can be influenced by both social and political factors. Both of these goals will help awaken in first-year students an understanding of the possibilities inherent in looking critically and analytically at the world around them.

Format: The class will be taught as an informal discussion. At times the instructor will lead the discussion; at other times, the students will lead or will make more formal presentations. Viewing of films will take place, for the most part, outside of class. Class time will be spent discussing short clips that will be shown in class. Students will be expected to view at least one full-length film before each meeting of the class and to prepare for a discussion about it. They will also be expected to illustrate the points they make in class by showing short clips from the film. For this reason, access to a DVD player is useful, but not required. Grading: Two-thirds of the grade will be based on the extent and quality of participation in the class discussions. The other third of the grade will be based on the quality of an oral audio-visual presentation that each student will be required to make at the end of the seminar.

About the instructor: Ken Verosub is a professor in the Geology Department and the former director of the Davis Honors Challenge. In his research he uses the magnetic properties of sediments and soils as tracers of paleoclimate and other environmental processes. He has been interested in space exploration ever since he saw Sputnik II streak across the night sky in 1957. He is also a “movie buff,” and this seminar provides him with an opportunity to combine his interests in science and technology with his love of films.