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Utopian and Dystopian Visions unit (HEN305)

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Location: Hobart, Online

Introduction

This unit explores how different worlds are imagined in speculative fiction, film, and critical theory. Taking an historical approach, the unit traces the trajectory of utopian/dystopian texts and theories through the last five hundred years, concentrating on the dystopian visions prevalent in the twentieth century and the new millennium. The unit examines the relationship between the historical/political moment of the text's production, and the speculative re-imagining of the world that the text offers. Through a selection of texts, students will be asked to consider utopian and dystopian representations of science and technology, political discourses such as Marxism and Feminism, and the environment (including the built environment).

Summary

Unit name Utopian and Dystopian Visions
Unit code HEN305
Credit points 12.5
College/School Arts and Society
Humanities and Social Sciences
Discipline English
Coordinator Associate Professor Naomi Milthorpe
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Advanced

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Online Semester 2 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 4/7/2027 26/7/2027 29/8/2027 23/10/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Analyse selected texts demonstrating knowledge of: a. the texts and topics introduced in this unit b. relevant theoretical issues as introduced in this unit c. the political dimensions of representation
  • Construct an argument supported by: a. evidence from your chosen text(s) b. reference to secondary material
  • identify and analyse connections between texts considered in the unit.
  • communicate effectively through written english in a variety of settings.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
not applicable
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

25 points at introductory level in any discipline in any faculty

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

On Campus:
Weekly on-campus lectorial (1 hour); weekly tutorial (2 hours)

Off Campus:
Weekly live-streamed lectorial (1 hour) (also available as a recording); weekly online participation (2 hours equivalent)

AssessmentResearch proposal (20%)|Tutorial participation (30%)|Research project (50%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

You will need to access the following literary texts. It does not matter what edition you use.

H. G. Wells, The Time Machine (1895) Evelyn Waugh, A Handful of Dust (1934) C. S. Lewis, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1952) Margaret Atwood, Oryx and Crake (2003) Cormac McCarthy, The Road (2005) Ellen van Neerven, “Water” from Heat and Light (2014), Ling Ma, Severance (2018) 

You will also need to access the following films:

Victor Fleming, The Wizard of Oz (1939) Neil Blomkamp, District 9 (2009) Yorgos Lanthimos, The Lobster (2015) 
Recommended

Weekly secondary readings will be made available to you via MyLO. 

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