The most memorable works of speculative fiction often deal with visions of utopia and dystopia. Their authors have often been active in and impacted by revolutionary movements, like Zamyatin, Orwell, LeGuin, and Butler.
How can a story of utopia allow us to imagine a better future, without falling into the flatness of perfection? And how do dystopias bring into relief dangers and oppressions of the present moment, without being mere allegory? What about stories of the future that blend elements of both?
This course is for both writers and admirers of speculative fiction. We will start by looking at some of the foundational works of utopia and dystopia, as well as more recent novels in the genre. As the course progresses, everyone will receive support for composing a utopian or dystopian short story of their own. Your composition can take on the medium or format you feel most comfortable with, including written short stories, performed storytelling, an audio recorded story, or a short video. Anyone who wants to take part in critical, thoughtful discussion of the works we read or listen to—including those of their classmates—is welcome to attend.
For people who are not comfortable reading longer texts, audio books will be an option.
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Details: Utopia, Dystopia, Revolution: Speculative Fiction for Social Change takes place every Tuesday in July: July 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 6:30-8:30pm in person at Literary Cleveland's offices, 13002 Larchmere Blvd in Cleveland.
Prerequisites: Any emerging level fiction/nonfiction/poetry writing course.
Genre: Fiction
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Format: Generative writing workshop
Location: This class takes place in-person at Literary Cleveland's offices, 13002 Larchmere Blvd in Cleveland.
Size: Limited to 12 participants (including scholarships).
Scholarships: Two scholarship spots are available for this class for writers in Northeast Ohio. Apply by April 15.
Cancellations & Refunds: Cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the first class meeting to receive a full refund. Email info@litcleveland.org.
Work with the best...
Peter Gelderloos is an anarchist and writer. He is known in social movements for his 2005 book, How Nonviolence Protects the State, and his 2022 book, The Solutions Are Already Here: Strategies for Ecological Revolution from Below. He is a long-time speculative fiction writer, and got his first novella, Hermetica, published in 2021.
Literary Cleveland
13002 Larchmere Blvd, Cleveland OH 44120
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