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| Semester | spring semester 2014 |
| Course frequency | Once only |
| Lecturers | Daniela Keller (daniela.keller@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | The peculiarities of quantum physics and its experiments have enlivened the creative minds of writers and inspired form and content of their fictional worlds. Quantum theory has opened up a realm of fantastic ideas and possibilities, such as telepathy or teleportation. Quantum physics tells us that we are surrounded by a world of tiniest particles we do not see with our naked eye. Unlike the objects we can perceive in everyday life and that behave according to the rules of (predictable) classical physics, the nature of particles of the subatomic world is uncertain, seemingly illogical and far from our common understanding of space and time. We will engage with the literary realisations of particular phenomena of quantum physics. |
| Learning objectives | Students exercise and expand the range of skills they have acquired in the first year. A more informed engagement with primary and critical texts will enable them to write their proseminar paper at the end of the spring term and to make an informed decision regarding their further course of studies. They will be made familiar with characteristics of contemporary British fiction and will learn to engage critically with the relationship of science and literature. |
| Bibliography | Please purchase, read and bring along to the first session: - Morley, John David. "The Book of Opposites". London: Max Press, 2010. (This book might be out of print. Please contact daniela.keller@unibas.ch if you are unable to obtain a copy.) - Smith, Ali. "There but for the". 2011. London et al.: Penguin, 2012. - Beauman, Ned. "The Teleportation Accident". London: Sceptre, 2012. Further material will be made available on ISIS. |
| Comments | It is recommended that participants do the readings before the beginning of term. Apart from the general course requirements, they might also be asked to do written assignments. No previous knowledge of quantum physics is required but the will to engage with thought experiments of quantum theory. |
| Weblink | ISIS |
| Admission requirements | Old BA curriculum (2005): This course may only be taken after successfully completing the first semester of a "Refining Skills in Literature and Culture" proseminar. New BA curriculum (2013): It is strongly recommended that this course be taken after successfully completing the "Introduction I + II" literature proseminars. |
| Course application | Students are required to register on ISIS. Please note that places are limited and that once this particular course is fully booked you will have to sign up for one of the alternative options. |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | Online, mandatory |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
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No dates available. Please contact the lecturer.
| Modules |
Modul Introduction to Anglophone Literary and Cultural Studies (Bachelor's degree subject: English) Modul Refining Skills in Literature and Culture (Bachelor's degree subject: English (Start of studies before 01.08.2013)) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | Regular attendance and active participation including a group presentation |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration; dereg.: not required |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | Pass / Fail |
| Repeated registration | no repetition |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, studadmin-philhist@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Fachbereich Englische Sprach- und Literaturwissenschaft |