Course Details
961: It’s Alive! Mad Scientists in Fiction and Film
February 4-7, 2019
11:45 AM -
1:15 PM
In-Person
This study group is an exploration of the stereotype of the “mad scientist” in fiction and film. From Dr. Frankenstein, the archetype of the genre, to Dr. Strangelove, the “mad scientist” has long been a stereotype in fiction and film. The class will examine the changing image of the “mad scientist” over time and how actual scientific developments affected this stereotype, as well as the role of gender in the depiction of “mad scientists.” The class will involve lectures, readings, film excerpts, and discussion.
Class Type: Lecture and Discussion
Class Format: TBA
Hours of Reading: 1-2 hours/session
Study Group Leader(s):
John ParascandolaJohn Parascandola has a PhD in history of science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He taught at several universities and served as a historian in the federal government. He is the author of five books (e,g., on the history of syphilis and the history of arsenic). He taught a course on doctors in fiction and film at OLLI.