ANTH 337 - Culture(s) of Outer Space

(Same as AH 337.) This course will examine the social and cultural aspects of human engagement with outer space. What are the different ways in which space is defined and understood? How have humans used it (and how might they use it in the future)? Is space even a place for humans, given the inherent risks of spaceflight and the fact that our species is evolutionarily adapted specifically for a terrestrial environment with a particular atmosphere, gravity, magnetic field, etc.? We will use a wide array of sources to inform our discussions, including film, literature, visual art, and scholarship from various fields. Letter grade with Pass/No Pass option. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits