University Calendar
"Frankenstein", Race, and Technology: An Online Reading Group with Dr. Wendy C. Nielsen, Begins March 9, 2022
What lessons does Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" have to teach us about Black Lives Matter and the role of science and technology in shaping our concept of who counts as human? What can we learn through Shelley's novel about extending human rights (including the right to reproduce) to synthetic, artificial life forms?
This three-week reading group will meet virtually to discuss Shelley's novel and the scholarly research and films it inspires. Participants should acquire their own edition of Frankenstein (preferably the 1818 edition) and will be provided with readings analyzing the novel and exploring theories about science, technology, and their impact on racial discrimination. The group will also view clips from early Frankenstein films by Edison and Whale. Topics may include but will not be limited to artificial life, the singularity, slavery, miscegnation and the companion, and incest. The group meets on Zoom Wednesdays March 9, 16, and 23, 2022 from 7:30-9pm EST.