Unit Two: Genre Fiction

Our second unit this semester is titled Genre Fiction. We'll be reading short stories that aren't typically taught in traditional college literature classes. The term genre fiction is problematic in a number of ways. It presumes that literary fiction isn't itself a genre and it asserts a false hierarchy of value. There are too many types of genre fiction to list, but some of the most popular ones are crime/detective, science fiction, fantasy, occult, speculative, romance, and fanfic. These sub-genres are popular across media: movies, television, video games, and music. They also overlap or blend different sub-genres. 

We are starting this unit with Octavia E. Butler's unforgettable short story "Bloodchild". Her work is usually categorized as speculative, but the term Afrofuturism is often used to describe her work. Before reading the story or the New Yorker article, take a look at this video from Democracy Now.

HOMEWORK

For Monday's class read Butler's story "Bloodchild" and also a New Yorker article about her and her work. Be prepared for a vigorous discussion and debate on Monday.  

It's not an easy story. I don't think that it necessitates any trigger warnings, but stop reading it if you're triggered. Please read it close to Monday morning so it remains fresh in your mind. 

Bonus Reading (recommended but not required): Parable of the Sower Graphic Novel

NASA loves Octavia E. Butler. They named a landing spot of the Mars Rover after her.  Check it out. 

Lastly, here's a calendar page (June 2023) that I designed and printed featuring a famous quotation by Octavia Butler.