Understanding Ursula K Le Guin

Ursula Kroeber Le Guin was among the most acclaimed and respected science fiction writers of the 20th century. A bestselling author in 40 languages, multiple winner of the Hugo and Nebula awards, and inspiration to generations who have followed her.

Here in the 21st century Le Guin has become something more than a beloved author. She has become an icon. Her words are quoted by a generation who weren’t even born when Le Guin was at her career peak. She may be the only classic scifi writer to regularly trend on TikTok.

Science fiction is the art that builds worlds. In her science fiction stories Ursula Le Guin didn’t just tell us a better world was possible. She showed us better worlds by building them in the imagination of generations. Worlds where life is fairer, more equal, more just.

At this point in time, when a better world seems to be slipping through our fingers, I want to understand the better worlds that Ursula Le Guin showed us. I want to dig down to the big ideas that shaped Le Guin's storytelling. I want to understand not just Ursula Le Guin the scifi writer, but Ursula Le Guin the philosopher.

Through the medium of scifi & fantasy Ursula Le Guin spoke a powerful philosophy. A philosophy that shows us how the art of words can resist and change the world. In which human imagination, our ideas and feelings, our dreams and visions, and the very stories we tell, have the power to shape reality.

It's a philosophy of immense power.

The power to build worlds.

This course focusses on Le Guin's most productive period from 1968 - 74 and touches on her Hainish and Earthsea novels.