Event title: Science Fiction & Dystopian Futures: Approaching The Circle from an Anthropological Perspective

This talk examines how central themes within the history of anthropology—civilization\, progress\, freedom—are used in science fiction to address anxieties about our collective future. The Common Book\, <em>The Circle</em> by Dave Eggers\, builds and expands upon classic and contemporary fiction about utopias and dystopias. For example\, <em>The Circle</em>’s concerns about freedom\, knowledge\, and community are shared by Aldous Huxley’s <em>Brave New World</em> and beyond. As Eggers argues\, utopias are rarely as idyllic as they may seem. This talk draws connections between <em>The Circle </em>and classic science fiction texts\, demonstrating how an anthropological approach can help us understand our ever-changing society and fears about where we are going.
Dr. Christopher Berk is a visiting instructor of anthropology in the Department of Sociology\, Anthropology\, and Social Work.