A.D. Boynton II: (he/they) is a cultural worker, writer, and teacher based in Lawrence, Kansas. Boynton recently received his doctorate degree in English from the University of Kansas, and works as a lecturer there teaching classes on writing, literature, and popular culture. Boynton is a proud Southerner and HBCU graduate, holding a B.A. in English from Fort Valley State University and a M.A. from Georgia College & State University. Boynton has been a teacher and workshop facilitator for a decade with several regional and national organizations and conferences including the Freedom Summer Network, Choate Rosemary Hall, the College Language Association, and the African American Policy Forum. He serves as the Managing Editor for the Journal of Science Fiction and is currently authoring a chapbook on grief and coming-of-age.

Science Fiction & Society with A.D. Boynton II

Begins Wednesday 7/16/25

This is an introductory course of the genre of “science fiction”, literature that pushes the bounds of both the human imagination and the laws of natural, biological, astrological, and temporal sciences.

Science and speculative fiction are at the heart of many literary, artistic, and expressive cultures all around the world; across human history, people have told stories about the alien, the ghost, the vampire, outer space, and the supernatural to understand the real world around them and articulate new future-places yet to come.

Through the study of an assortment of novels, short fiction and other media, students in this course will explore how science fiction and its sibling-genres (fantasy, horror, dystopian, post-apocalyptic, gothic, magical realism) unveil truths about human societies, politics, and philosophies.

Who is this class for?
> Readers who want to read in community and talk about their ideas, whether it's your first time reading sci-fi or you're a veteran student, this can be a great learning opportunity
> Creative writers (or those aspiring) who want to hone their craft in a low-stakes environment
> Teachers who (want to) include sci-fi in their classes, or teachers  any discipline who want to engage in multidisciplinary teaching, or teaching across the curriculum, STEAM
> Activists, organizers, and social justice-oriented organizations who believe in literacy and education access, especially in the height of book bans and attacks on DEI
> Public speakers, theologians, librarians, and counselors who are interested in "futurist" and speculative texts and practices but don't know where to start
> Directors, filmmakers, museum curators, and other artists or practitioners who may be interested in using sci-fi, surrealism, and other speculative modes in their work

What Will We Read?

We will read two classic novels George Orwell's 1984 and Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler, an assortment of short stories by N.K. Jemisin, Harlan Ellison, and Wen-yi Lee, and will watch a number of short films and music videos.

I will also offer one on one consultations to participants on how they could use science fiction and futurism in their work.

Science Fiction & Society with A. D. Boynton II Science Fiction & Society with A. D. Boynton II Science Fiction & Society with A. D. Boynton II Science Fiction & Society with A. D. Boynton II
Science Fiction & Society with A. D. Boynton II
from $300.00

WHEN and HOW: This collaboration will run for six weeks on Zoom.

DATES: Six Wednesdays beginning July 16th at 7pm EST/6pm CST/4pm PST.

7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6, 8/13, 8/20

Class runs Wednesdays, 7-9pm EST/6-8pm CST/4-6pm PST

COST: $300-500 (sliding scale—please read below)

Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Suggested Cost:

To create intentional space and support for BIPOC attendees, we ask that you pay in light of your financial privileges and with a JEDI spirit (!)

Here are a few guidelines:

$500 – you have reliable sources of food, shelter, and transportation; are employed or financially secure; have regular access to healthcare and savings; can spend recreationally at your discretion (e.g. enjoy a concert, new clothes, a great meal). Paying the full amount also means you are able to support a BIPOC person with limited resources who would like to join this course.

$400– you have debt that sometimes compromises stability with food, shelter, and/or transportation; are employed; have some access to healthcare and savings; can spend recreationally.

$300 – you are under- or unemployed and/or for other reasons (e.g. healthcare, shelter expenses), you have very limited resources.

Contact us anya@weareurbanhaiku.com if you cannot afford to pay full price but would like to discuss payment plans, work-exchange/trade opportunities, or other options.