Science Fiction and Politics, Courtney Brown, Emory University Courtney Brown, Ph.D.

I was intrigued to subscribe to a subscribe to a podcast discussing the interaction of politics and science fiction in some novels which I have read and enjoyed. The idea of listening into a course of study taught by a PhD.

I downloaded the classes discussing the novels that I had read, with the intention of then reading and downloading the remainder. Unfortunately, I was so disappointed by the podcast, I've abandoned that plan (however, it has served as a kick in the pants to read some of the classics of science fiction that I haven't yet read).

I found Dr. Brown's presentation style grating, and disagree with many of his conclusions. It quickly becomes obvious that the professor is well read in the works of the Towering Masters of The Golden Age of Science Fiction, but as the timeline creeps towards the present, his working knowledge of the science fiction of the day becomes more and more shaky. The choice of his material is also puzzling, as he concentrates solely on novels, instead of incorporating short stories, novellas (the original Foundation instalments being the exception), and only passing references are made to popular science fiction films and television series. In many instances, the professor demonstrates his a lack of knowledge on related materials to the novels on the booklist. A glaring example of his can be is the first part of the Neuromancer by William Gibson class. If you're going to teach a course of study, I feel the most knowledgable individual should be the teacher. The occasional reference to William Gibson as "Mel" can be chalked up to a simple lack of concentration, but Dr. Brown's meandering discussion leadership and shocking lack of knowledge of the material is thrust into the limelight in this particular class.

I am glad to see a course like this taught. I find it demoralizing when I go to my nearest chain bookshop, only to find the science fiction section smaller than it was on my previous visit, and what little space remains is increasingly dominated by franchise fiction based on movies, video games and comic books. I feel that the course is being poorly taught, and in doing so its teaching lowers the potential profile of such a potentially interesting course. I find it particularly galling that the in-class happenings are then broadcast.

I give this course of study three stars only because I feel the course, better taught, has great potential.

ridiculous that a PhD would assert that the hidden nature of Air America was a "good thing".
perhaps the professor should read a little before making such blatantly ignorant statements. i would suggest "THE POLITICS OF HERION IN SOUTH EAST ASIA" by dr. alfred Mckoy of U of Wisconsin.
Air america smuggled drugs throughout the vietnam war era to help pay for black ops that could not be funded through traditional governmental avenues due to their illegal, antidemocratic nature. Air America helped Hmong criminals take control of the Laotian people by giving a market for the heroin produced. Drugs were traded for guns, transported to saigon, then hong kong, then shipped to marseilles with the aid of the corsican mob.
wakey wakey courtney brown