Fantastic Places, Unhuman Humans: Exploring Humanity Through Literature from edX

Do you love reading literature whose plot, characters, or themes challenge you to empathize with formerly unknown or unimagined beings or feelings?
Do you find reading literature a great way to think deeply about important ideas and want a fun, unusual way of doing so?
Are you a gamer who loves fiction?
Are you looking for a course that will put you in touch with some cutting-edge pedagogical learning strategies?
Are you looking for a course that covers time-tested literary themes taught in a radically new way?
Have you been looking for a way to indulge your love of literature while also dipping your toes into online gaming?

What you'll learn

Conceive of difficulties that arise when trying to define and distinguish between humans and unhuman monsters.
Identify problems that grow out of the effort to apply definitive and universal moral judgments to actions, thoughts, social structures, and/or living beings.
Explore challenges that grow out of the effort to define what constitutes the categories of “nature” and “natural.”
Consider multiple interpretations of literary works by leveraging alternative tools like computer-generated visualizations.
Present your insights in an engaging, coherent, organized, and focused form through the use of literary analysis.
Produce creative responses to literature that engage and challenge the themes and express new viewpoints into the conversation.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Conceive of difficulties that arise when trying to define and distinguish between humans and unhuman monsters.
Identify problems that grow out of the effort to apply definitive and universal moral judgments to actions, thoughts, social structures, and/or living beings.
Explore challenges that grow out of the effort to define what constitutes the categories of “nature” and “natural.”

Consider multiple interpretations of literary works by leveraging alternative tools like computer-generated visualizations.
Present your insights in an engaging, coherent, organized, and focused form through the use of literary analysis.
Produce creative responses to literature that engage and challenge the themes and express new viewpoints into the conversation.

Conceive of difficulties that arise when trying to define and distinguish between humans and unhuman monsters.
Identify problems that grow out of the effort to apply definitive and universal moral judgments to actions, thoughts, social structures, and/or living beings.
Explore challenges that grow out of the effort to define what constitutes the categories of “nature” and “natural.”
Consider multiple interpretations of literary works by leveraging alternative tools like computer-generated visualizations.
Present your insights in an engaging, coherent, organized, and focused form through the use of literary analysis.
Produce creative responses to literature that engage and challenge the themes and express new viewpoints into the conversation.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the human condition across multiple dimensions, including brains, external features, consciousness, and imaginations

Develops critical thinking skills through the analysis of literary works

Provides a unique learning experience through the use of gamified structure and virtual journey

Led by an experienced instructor, James Egan, who guides learners through the course

Emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in considering the human experience

Requires prerequisite knowledge of literature and literary analysis techniques

Career center

Learners who complete Fantastic Places, Unhuman Humans: Exploring Humanity Through Literature will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Novelist

Individuals seeking to become a Novelist may benefit from enrolling in the course on Fantastic Places, Unhuman Humans: Exploring Humanity Through Literature. This course examines literary works that explore diverse interpretations of humanity, blurring the lines between traditional and unconventional perspectives. The course may provide budding Novelists with inspiration and insights as they craft their narratives, encouraging them to push boundaries and challenge social norms.

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Psychologist

Those seeking a career in Psychology may benefit from the course on Fantastic Places, Unhuman Humans: Exploring Humanity Through Literature. This course examines literary works that explore the complexities of the human mind and behavior, delving into themes of identity, consciousness, and the nature of reality. The course can provide Psychologists with a rich foundation for understanding the diverse spectrum of human experiences and psychological phenomena.

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Writer

For those pursuing a career in Writing, the course on Fantastic Places, Unhuman Humans: Exploring Humanity Through Literature provides a strong foundation. The course delves into literary works which examine the line between humans and unhumans, monsters, and beings from other planets. The course may assist aspiring Writers in constructing their own stories around characters that challenge the definitions of what makes us human, and may provide new inspiration for unique narratives.

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Game Designer

Those looking to become a Game Designer may find the course on Fantastic Places, Unhuman Humans: Exploring Humanity Through Literature useful. This course provides a unique perspective on the exploration of humanity through literature, examining themes of nature, identity, and existence. Game Designers may leverage their understanding gained from this course to develop games that challenge conventional norms and evoke thought-provoking experiences.

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Anthropologist

The course on Fantastic Places, Unhuman Humans: Exploring Humanity Through Literature may be of interest to aspiring Anthropologists. This course explores literary works that push the boundaries of traditional definitions of humanity, offering a nuanced understanding of the diverse range of human experiences and cultures. The course may help Anthropologists develop a broader perspective and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of human nature.

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Journalist

The course on Fantastic Places, Unhuman Humans: Exploring Humanity Through Literature may be helpful for those desiring to become a Journalist. This course examines literature that explores the topics of humanity and what defines us as human, which may help build a strong foundation for future Journalists who report on pressing social issues and cultural norms and their impact on society.

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Screenwriter

Individuals looking to pursue a career as a Screenwriter may find the course on Fantastic Places, Unhuman Humans: Exploring Humanity Through Literature beneficial. This course explores various literary works that push the boundaries of what is considered human and natural, a skill that could aid aspiring Screenwriters as they develop and write compelling stories that explore similar ideas.

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Sociologist

For individuals pursuing a career in Sociology, the course on Fantastic Places, Unhuman Humans: Exploring Humanity Through Literature offers a valuable lens to explore social norms and conventions. Through the analysis of literary works that challenge traditional definitions of humanity, Sociologists can gain insights into the construction and evolution of social structures, values, and behaviors.

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Literary Agent

For those interested in becoming a Literary Agent, the course on Fantastic Places, Unhuman Humans: Exploring Humanity Through Literature may be helpful. The course delves into literary works that push the boundaries of conventional storytelling, exploring themes of humanity and nature. Graduates of this course may develop a keen eye for identifying unique and compelling manuscripts that challenge societal norms, which is a valuable skill for Literary Agents.

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Poet

For those pursuing a career in Poetry, the course on Fantastic Places, Unhuman Humans: Exploring Humanity Through Literature provides a unique foundation. The course delves into literary works which examine the line between humans and unhumans, monsters, and beings from other planets. The course may assist aspiring Poets in crafting verses that explore the depths of humanity while challenging societal norms.

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Professor

The course Fantastic Places, Unhuman Humans: Exploring Humanity Through Literature may be useful for future Professors. This course analyzes literary works that focus on unconventional and fantastic ideas about humanity and nature. Graduates of this course may be better suited to guide discussions and lectures on similar works in higher education settings.

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Librarian

Those interested in becoming a Librarian may find the course on Fantastic Places, Unhuman Humans: Exploring Humanity Through Literature useful. The course involves the examination of literature across different time periods, with a focus on the often blurry line between humans and unhumans, robots, monsters, and more. Graduates of this course may find it particularly helpful in assisting patrons that come to the library looking for works that explore these lines, and may be able to share unique insights on these works inspired by the course's readings and content.

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Publisher

Those looking to become a Publisher may find the course on Fantastic Places, Unhuman Humans: Exploring Humanity Through Literature useful. This course involves the in-depth examination of literary works with topics surrounding humanity, nature, and what defines each. Graduates of this course may have a greater ability to recognize literary works that resonate with the public while also pushing the boundaries of these topics, helping them select works that are both commercially viable and critically acclaimed.

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Teacher

For graduates that aspire to teach at the post-secondary level, the course on Fantastic Places, Unhuman Humans: Exploring Humanity Through Literature may provide a unique foundation. The course's exploration of various literary works including their historical, cultural, and social impacts can aid in building a more well-rounded knowledge base for Teachers to draw upon when creating their curriculum. Additionally, the course includes the use of online tools for visualizing data, which may be an innovative technique that future Teachers may wish to incorporate into their own classrooms.

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Editor

For people intending to become an Editor, the course on Fantastic Places, Unhuman Humans: Exploring Humanity Through Literature provides a foundation. The course explores various literary works that push the boundaries of what is considered human and natural, which could inform an Editor's perspective on the stories and articles they work on. Additionally, the course requires the use of online data visualization tools, a skill that may serve Editors well as they collaborate with data journalists.

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Fantastic Places, Unhuman Humans

Exploring Humanity Through Literature

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