Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower
Full Tuition: $300 — Scholarship options are available in the drop-down enrollment menu for you to self-select.
Instructor: Spratley | Wednesdays | September 6-October 4 | 6:00-8:00 PM ET | ONLINE
Octavia Butler is one of the most crucial voices in contemporary science fiction. People often compare our political moment to Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale or George Orwell’s 1984, but there is perhaps no book that is more prescient regarding the urgencies of climate change, social justice, and the creation of a livable future than Parable of the Sower. Together we’ll read this novel and ask:
Who do we think of when we think of our prophets? What power can our words and our convictions have in the face of systemic oppression? How do empathy and interconnection survive in the midst of violence and fear—and who is responsible for ensuring their survival? This class will explore these and other questions brought forward in Parable of the Sower, a book often referred to as prophetic. Readers who are new to this book as well as readers who are interested in discussing a familiar text in community are welcome.
Students will focus on reading sections of Parable of the Sower between classes, with no other preparation required. During class, we will also reference work by adrienne maree brown, bell hooks, Kimberlé Crenshaw, and other scholars challenging the white supremacist capitalist patriarchy. Optional readings of their work will be provided.
Classes are recorded to allow for students to participate asynchronously. If you want to take a class but cannot make the class time, sign up for the asynchronous audit option to follow along on your own. Recordings are password protected and will only be available for the duration of the class and two weeks after it ends.
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We are currently able to offer three full scholarships per class, and one full scholarship per person per term. If the scholarship tier you need is sold out or you would like to pay tuition on an installment basis, please email us directly, and we will work with you.
If at any point up to 48 hours before your first class session you realize you will be unable to take the class, please email us and we will reallocate your funds to a future class, to another student’s scholarship, or refund it. After that point, we are able to offer 50% refunds.