Utopian Thought I

 

Semester Fall 2009-10

Mr. Hani Hassan

WF 12 – 1 pm & Th 1 – 2 pm Room: 307 Nicely;

Contact: Tel: 4031

E-mail: hh26@aub.edu.lb

Course Discription

Utopia –perceived as a general term for imaginary ideal societies, whether here & now or in the hereafter – is a theme, which was treated in different societies & cultures. It could be a worldly messianic state, an elysian field or a garden, a city beyond, an imagined island, or a presentation of a positive & possible alternative to the social reality intended as a model to be emulated or aspired to. On the other hand, the devastating wars, the fascist states, and the totalitarian regimes, which stamped the 20th century, gave rise to a genre of anti-utopias (or dystopia).

The aim of this course is to introduce the general theoretical frame of ‘utopian studies’ and to read, appreciate, and discuss primary texts within the genre. The course further aims at identifying and analyzing the various components and ‘ingredients’ of utopian visions, and pushing the students to evaluate these various visions, and to relate the texts to their contemporary lives and world view.