Science fiction is the topic of a new English course offering this summer at Penn State York. Science Fiction (ENGL 191) meets from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and is part of the first six-week summer session at the campus which begins May 12.
Students will explore the literature of technological innovation and social change – its development, themes, and problems. Major graphic novels, novellas, and films that define the genre will be used in the course.
This three-credit course is being taught by Noel Sloboda, assistant professor of English. He has been nominated for the Rhysling and Elgin Awards, given by the Science Fiction Poetry Association. At Penn State York, Sloboda regularly teaches Introduction to Creative Writing (ENG 050) and a variety of other English courses. This is the first time the science fiction course is being offered on campus. It can be used to fulfill a general humanities (GH) requirement in a degree program.
Sloboda is the author of the poetry collections “Our Rarer Monsters” (2013), “Stages” (2010), and “Shell Games” (2008). He has also written several chapbooks, most recently “Circle Straight Back” (2012).
A graduate of Washington University, Sloboda earned a masters and doctorate in English and American studies. He also holds a bachelor of arts in English and philosophy from Connecticut College. He was the recipient of the 2005 James H. Burness Award for Excellence in Teaching at Penn State York and the 2006 recipient of the campus’ advising award in recognition of outstanding advising to students. Sloboda was the driving force behind the campus’ online student magazine, “Any Other Word,” and serves as its adviser.
Sloboda is an expert on Shakespeare. His work on Shakespearean film adaptations has appeared in “Studies in the Humanities” and in the collection “In/Fidelity: Essays on Film Adaptation” (Cambridge Scholars Press). He has contributed to the “Encyclopedia of American Literature,” the “Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction,” the “Student’s Companion to American Literary Characters,” and the “Literary Contexts” series. His creative work has appeared in venues based in Canada, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. He also serves as the Harrisburg Shakespeare Company dramaturg.
Summer classes will be starting soon. Two summer sessions offer students a convenient way to get ahead for fall, catch up on classes, or just get started. The first summer session begins May 12 and continues through June 19, and the second summer session begins June 23 and continues through July 31. To learn more about all that Penn State York has to offer in the summer, visit http://yk.psu.edu/Academics/summer1.htm