MCS 351: Topics in TV
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MCS 351: Topics in TV:
Time Travel on Television
Mon 5:45pm – 9:00pm
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Course Description:
This class examines the common narrative device of “time travel” as it has been shown on television. We
will look at the history of time travel on television, how time travel becomes a narrative device, and at the
generic components of time travel narratives. Through careful readings of television episodes, we will
study the influence of technology, politics, identity, the body and mediation on representations of time
travel. Further, we shall examine these texts not just as glimpses of possible futures, but also as cultural
critiques of issues in the present. Through screenings, daily written responses, and a final paper, students
will have the opportunity to explore the intricate nature of narratives about time travel.
Course Rationale:
Time travel, as a topic, offers much in the study of history, genre, and narrative. From the beginnings of
science fiction, the concept of time travel has been at the heart of the genre. But it is on television that
examples of “time travel” have been taken up most vividly. Time travel offers one of the most articulate
critiques of contemporary society, for when these stories venture into the past or future, they are most
often making a comment about the present. Far from being mere escapist entertainment (although much
of it can be pleasurable), these narratives often present a serious look at the issues affecting the everyday
lives of its viewers.
This course critically examines time travel on television and notes how it comments on contemporary
issues. We look at the earliest days of televised time travel to explore the new invention of television and
the genre of science fiction. We move through television history and national boundaries as the time travel
genre becomes explored and debated throughout the history of the medium. We will look at narrative
theory, from the earliest Aristotelian narrative structure to today’s multi-linear narrative framework.
Finally we arrive at contemporary television texts which comment upon our current cultural climate.
Students will view television episodes that challenge their concepts of the time travel genre and the world.
Course Goals:
There are a number of goals and objectives I hope we will accomplish this intersession. The first is
informational: when this course is completed, everyone should have an understanding of the history and
cultural value of time travel on television. The second goal is more critical: when this course is completed,
everyone should be able to experience a time travel narrative with a keen eye and a distanced intellectual
curiosity. Finally, we should all be able to identify the developments in narrative theory and genre as
evidenced through time travel narratives.
Course Objectives:
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
1) Understand and identify key moments of time travel on television
2) Demonstrate an understanding of narrative theory through television
3) Compare different genre strategies for television programming
4) Synthesize lessons and readings in a project
Assigned Readings:
MCS 351: Topics in TV
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Books to buy (available at the Loop Barnes and Noble, or from online retailers)
Booth, Paul. Time on TV: Temporal Displacement and Mashup Television. New York: Peter Lang, 2012. ISBN:
978-1433-115691
Nahin, Paul J. Time Travel: A Writer’s Guide to the Real Science of Plausible Time Travel. Baltimore, MD: Johns
Hopkins University Press, 2011. ISBN: 978-1421-400822
Sakurazaka, Hiroshi, Nick Mamatas (adaptor) and Lee Ferguson (Illustrator). All You Need is Kill. San
Francisco: Haikasoru. 2014.
Students will also be expected to purchase, play, and complete the game Braid, which is available for the
Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 consoles, as well as PC and Mac computers (via Steam). This game should be
completed by May 18.
Additional readings will be available via D2l and library reserve. It may be helpful to use other online
resources for background research.
Grading and Assignments:
Grades are based on 600 points.
• Synthesis Papers: 100 pts (9 x 11) +1
• Paper 1: 100 pts
• Paper 2: 100 pts
• Final Project: 100 pts
• Final Paper: 100 pts
• Attendance and Participation: 100 pts
Synthesis Paper
For each class (weeks 2-10), you will watch an out-of-class episode of time travel television and analyze it
in terms of the readings due for that class period in a 300-500 word paper. Each synthesis should (1)
identify the main thesis or idea from the THEORY readings due that day; (2) comparing those theory
readings to the FICTION readings for that day; and (3) connect both readings to the episode screened
outside of class. You definitely need to synthesize the theory and at least one fiction (if only reading one,
read the bolded one); you may use both fiction readings. Respond thoughtfully to those theses. Do you
agree or disagree with the author? What questions do these readings raise? What ideas are propagated or
problematized by the reading(s)? In your reflection, please address any questions you may have about the
readings. Include quotations from the reading in your reflection, as well as a works cited. Late Synthesis
Papers will not be accepted.
Paper 1
You should watch one of the following:
(1) X-Files: “Redrum” (available on Netflix)
(2) Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency: “Pilot” (Available on D2L)
(3) Twilight Zone: “Walking Distance” + “Back There” (Available on Hulu)
Your paper will identify what you believe are the key components of the time travel narrative for this
episode of television. You should also answer the question, “Why is television a good/bad medium for
illustrating this form of time travel.” Finally, you should note different ways time travel is represented in
the episode in comparison to the stories that you’ve read. Papers should be 1500 words long. Use your
readings as well as class screenings to justify and illustrate your points. Papers should posted to the D2L
dropbox, by 5:40 pm on Monday, Apr 20. Late papers will not be accepted.
Paper 2
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MCS 351: Topics in TV
You will commit to playing through the game Braid and reading the graphic novel All You Need is Kill by
May 18. Braid is a fairly short multiplatform game available for Xbox 360, the PlayStation 3, or on
PC/Mac through Steam (http://store.steampowered.com/app/26800/). All You Need is Kill is available at
the Loop Barnes and Noble or online. Paper 2 will expect you to discuss the relationship between
narrative and gameplay in terms of experiences of time in both the game and the graphic novel. Compare
the time travel narrative (both the implied narrative and your explicit experience of it) of Braid with the
time travel narrative (both the implied narrative and your explicit experience of it) of All You Need is Kill.
You should examine the role of the author, the role of players/characters, the style of narration, and the
use of temporality in the narrative. Papers should posted to the D2L dropbox, by 5:40 pm on Monday,
May 18. Late papers will not be accepted.
Final Paper/Project:
You will work in groups of 3-4 for this final project. The goal of your final project is to present a new time
travel television program to a group of television executives (the class). Your PROJECT should contain:
(1) A sample 10 page script of the scene that sets up the “time travel” plot and mechanics
(2) An outline of the first 10 episodes of the program, and how the story progresses
(3) Images of locations, props, characters, etc.
(4) A 3-5 minutes trailer for the show which is written and produced by the group.
Each member of the group will get the same grade on the PROJECT. The Project is due at 5:45 pm on
June 08 to D2L, and we will screen the trailers in class.
Each member of the group will write their own PAPER for this final assignment, and will receive their
own grade on that paper. This 1500 word paper that articulates the main points of your television
program and articulates the narrative, genre, and media theories behind the program. Furthermore, each
paper should identify fictional time travel works that this television program references.
Finally, each member of the group will fill out an evaluation of their other members.
Projects will be presented to the class on the final day of class and feedback from your peers should be
incorporated into the final paper. Papers will be due at 5:45 pm on June 08 to D2L. Each member of
the group will get two grades: a grade on the group project and a grade on the individual
paper.
Late final papers will not be accepted. Each group will be evaluated by the “executives,” and the top
group will win a superb prize.
Day 1: Monday Mar 30
Topic: Introduction; What is time travel and the history of Time Travel on TV?
In-class screening
Non-fiction readings due today
Family Guy: “Back to the Pilot”
Anders: Why Time Travel…
Fiction readings due today
Wells: The Time Machine excerpt
Day 2: Monday Apr 06
Topic: Time Travel as Narrative Device
In-class screening
Crime Traveler: “Jeff Slade and the Loop of
Infinity”
Non-fiction readings due today
Booth: Introduction
Love: “Time Travel in Theory and Practice”
Nahin: Introduction and Chapter 3
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MCS 351: Topics in TV
Wittenberg: “Introduction” (1-8)
Out-of-class screening due today:
Star Trek: “The City on the Edge of Forever”
Fiction reading due today:
Bradbury: “A Sound of Thunder”
Leiber: “Try and Change the Past”
Assignment Due: Synthesis Paper
Day 3: Monday Apr 13
Topic: History vs. Causality & Linear vs. Multi-Linear
In-class screening
Non-fiction readings due today
Fringe: “White Tulip”
Booth: Chapter 1
Clips from Sapphire and Steel
Kozloff (pp. 67-81; 93-94)
Nahin: Ch. 5
Out-of-class screening due today:
Supernatural: “Mystery Spot”
Fiction reading due today:
Chu: “Thirty Seconds from Now”
Liu: “The Man Who Ended History”
Assignment Due: Synthesis Paper
Day 4: Monday Apr 20
Topic: Subjective Time Travel & Character Dislocation
In-class screening
Non-fiction readings due today
Being Erica: “Pilot”
Booth: Ch 2
Nahin: Ch 7
Yilmaz: “The popularity of time travel…”
Out-of-class screening due today:
Fiction reading due today:
Beamer: “Celia and the
Hindsight: “Pilot” and/or “Square One”
Conservation…”
Evans: “Real Time”
Assignment Due: Paper 1
Assignment Due: Synthesis Paper
Day 5: Monday Apr 27
Topic: Paradoxes & Non-Linear Narratives
In-class screening
Doctor Who: “Blink”
Out-of-class screening due today:
The Outer Limits: “The Man Who Was Never
Born”
Assignment Due: Synthesis Paper
Non-fiction readings due today
Booth: Chapter 4
Nahin: Ch 8
Yu: “Top Ten Tips for Time Travel”
Fiction reading due today:
Heinlein: “All You Zombies”
Watson: “The Very Slow Time Machine”
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MCS 351: Topics in TV
Day 6: Monday May 04
Topic: Time Travel Theories
In-class screening
Quantum Leap: “Killin’ Time”
Non-fiction readings due today
Booth: Ch 5
Feuer
Nahin: Ch 1
Fiction reading due today:
Rusch: “Red Letter Day”
Schaller: “How the Future Got Better”
Out-of-class screening due today:
Continuum: “A Stitch in Time”
Assignment Due: Synthesis Paper
Day 7: Monday May 11
Topic: Children’s Genre
In-class screening
Sarah Jane Adventures: “Lost in Time
Time Tunnel: Clips from “The Revenge Of
Robin Hood”
Wishbone: “The Time Machine”
Out-of-class screening due today:
Doctor Who: “The City of Death”
Non-fiction readings due today
Booth: Ch 3
Cosslett: “History from Below”
Nahin: Ch 6
Fiction reading due today:
Anders: “The Time Travel Club”
Finney: “I’m Scared”
Assignment Due: Synthesis Paper
Day 8: Monday May 18
Topic: Playing Time Travel
In-class screening
Star Trek: The Next Generation: “Cause and
Effect”
Eternal Darkness
Out-of-class screening due today:
Braid
Non-fiction readings due today
Booth: “Eternal Darkness”
Ryan (pp. 242-258)
Fiction reading for today:
All You Need is Kill
Assignment Due: Paper 2
Assignment Due: Synthesis Paper
Day 9: Monday May 25
Topic: Science-Fiction Genre
No class meeting: Memorial Day; Check D2L
In-class screening
Twelve Monkeys: “Splinter”
Non-fiction readings due today
Booth: Ch 6
Nahin: Ch 11
Out-of-class screening due today:
Lost: “The Constant”
Fiction reading for today:
Matheson: “Death Ship”
Sturgeon “Yesterday was Monday”
Assignment Due: Synthesis Paper
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MCS 351: Topics in TV
Day 10: Monday June 01
Topic: Time Travel Comedy
In-class screening
Red Dwarf: “Backwards”
Community: “Remedial Chaos Theory”
Out-of-class screening due today:
Futurama: “Bender’s Big Score”
Non-fiction readings due today
Moore, Mica. “Time Travel Isn’t Funny”
Nahin: Ch 2
Valentine: “Trousseau”
Fiction reading for today:
Benford: “Caveat Time Traveler”
Bester: “The Men Who Murdered
Mohammad”
Assignment Due: Synthesis Paper
FINAL: June 08 5:45
Topic: Time Travel Trailers Screenings
Assignment Due: Final Project and Paper
Bibliography
Anders, Charlie Jane. “The Time Travel Club.” In Time Travel: Recent Trips, edited by Paula Guran, 246–
67. Germantown, MD: Prime Books, 2014.
Anders, Charlie Jane. “Why Time Travel Stories Should Be Messy.” io9.com. 2012.
http://io9.com/5945991/why-time-travel-stories-should-be-messy.
Beamer, Amelia. “Celia and the Conservation of Entropy.” Uncanny Magazine 1 (2015).
Benford, Gregory. “Caveat Time Traveler.” In Time Travel SF, edited by Mike Ashley, 1–4. London, UK:
Constable and Robinson, 2013.
Bester, Alfred. “The Men Who Murdered Mohammad.” Virtual Unrealities: The Short Fiction of Alfred Bester,
159–72. New York: Vintage, 1997.
Booth, Paul. Time on TV: Temporal Displacement and Mashup Television. New York: Peter Lang, 2012.
Booth, Paul. “‘Harmonious Synchronicity’ and Eternal Darkness: Temporal Displacement in Video
Games.” In Time Travel in Popular Media: Essays on Film, Television, Literature and Video Game, edited by
Matthew Jones and Joan Ormrod, 134–48. Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2015.
Bradbury, Ray. “A Sound of Thunder.” In The Best Time Travel Stories of the 20th Century, edited by Harry
Turtledove, with Martin H. Greenberg, 73–86. New York: Ballantine Books, 2005.
Chien, Irene. “Playing Undead.” Film Quarterly 61 (2). 2007/2008: 64-66.
Chu, John. “Thirty Seconds from Now.” In The Time Traveler’s Almanac, edited by Ann and Jeff
Vandermeer, 215–21. New York: Tor, 2013.
Cosslett, Tess. “‘History from Below’: Time-Slip Narratives and National Identity.” The Lion and the
Unicorn 26, no. 2 (2002): 243-253.
Evans, Lawrence Watt. “Real Time.” In Time Travel SF, edited by Mike Ashley, 253–257. London, UK:
Constable and Robinson, 2013.
Feuer, Jane. “Genre Study and Television.” In Channels of Discourse , Reassembled: Television and Contemporary
Criticism, 2nd ed., edited by Robert C. Allen. 138–61. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina
Press, 1992.
Finney, Jack. “I’m Scared.” In The Best Time Travel Stories of the 20th Century, edited by Harry Turtledove,
with Martin H. Greenberg, 59–72. New York: Ballantine Books, 2005.
Heinlein, Robert. “All You Zombies.” Fantasy and Science Fiction, 1959.
http://faculty.uca.edu/rnovy/Heinlein--All%20you%20zombies.htm.
MCS 351: Topics in TV
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Kozloff, Sarah. “Narrative Theory and Television.” In Channels of Discourse , Reassembled: Television and
Contemporary Criticism, 2nd ed., edited by Robert C. Allen. 67-101. Chapel Hill: University of North
Carolina Press, 1992.
Leiber, Franz. “Try and Change the Past.” In Time Travel SF, edited by Mike Ashley, 143–150. London,
UK: Constable and Robinson, 2013.
Liu, Ken. “The Man Who Ended History.” In Time Travel: Recent Trips, edited by Paula Guran, 49–94.
Germantown, MD: Prime Books, 2014.
Love, Stan. “Time Travel in Theory and Practice.” In The Time Traveler’s Almanac, edited by Ann and Jeff
Vandermeer, 166–73. New York: Tor, 2013.
Matheson, Richard. “Death Ship.” In The Best Time Travel Stories of the 20th Century, edited by Harry
Turtledove, with Martin H. Greenberg, 87–107. New York: Ballantine Books, 2005.
Moore, Mica. “Time Travel Isn’t Funny.” Morningside Review. http://morningsidereview.org/essay/timetravel-isnt-funny-power-dynamics-and-humor/
Nahin, Paul J. Time Travel: A Writer’s Guide to the Real Science of Plausible Time Travel. Baltimore, MD: Johns
Hopkins University Press, 2011.
Rusch, Kristine. “Red Letter Day.” In Time Travel SF, edited by Mike Ashley, 515–534. London, UK:
Constable and Robinson, 2013.
Ryan, Marie-Laure. “Chapter 8: Can Coherence Be Saved?” Narrative as Virtual Reality: Immersion and
Interactivity in Literature and Electronic Media. Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press,
2003.
Sakurazaka, Hiroshi, Nick Mamatas (adaptor) and Lee Ferguson (Illustrator). All You Need is Kill. San
Francisco: Haikasoru. 2014.
Schaller, Eric. “How the Future Got Better.” In The Time Traveler’s Almanac, edited by Ann and Jeff
Vandermeer, 77–80. New York: Tor, 2013.
Sturgeon, Theodore. “Yesterday was Monday.” In The Best Time Travel Stories of the 20th Century, edited by
Harry Turtledove, with Martin H. Greenberg, 1–19. New York: Ballantine Books, 2005.
Turtledove, Harry, with Martin H. Greenberg, Eds. The Best Time Travel Stories of the 20th Century. New
York: Ballantine Books, 2005.
Valentine, Genevieve. “Trousseau: Fashion for Time Travelers.” In The Time Traveler’s Almanac, edited by
Ann and Jeff Vandermeer, 445–49. New York: Tor, 2013.
Watson, Ian. “The Very Slow Time Machine.” In Time Travel SF, edited by Mike Ashley, 365–386.
London, UK: Constable and Robinson, 2013.
Wells, HG. The Time Machine excerpt. In The Time Traveler’s Almanac, edited by Ann and Jeff Vandermeer,
154–57. New York: Tor, 2013.
Yilmaz, Aybige. “The Popularity of Time Travel in Contemporary Media: Being Erica and Time Travel as
Individualised Consumer Choice.” Science Fiction Film and Television 6.3 (2013): 387–408,
Yu, Charles. “Top Ten Tips for Time Travel.” In The Time Traveler’s Almanac, edited by Ann and Jeff
Vandermeer, 1–4. New York: Tor, 2013.