The Moon is simultaneously familiar and alien, near at hand and yet largely beyond our reach. As such, it has been the object of close, careful, scientific observation and a site for fantasy and dreams. This course examines the history of American representations of the Moon from the mid-19th century through the present, with particular attention to the interplay between the real and the fantastic in imaginings of the Moon. It brings into conversation art, photography, literature, film, and the history of science. Topics include the social and historical context of lunar images; media and methods for representing the Moon; hoaxes, skepticism, and critiques of lunar images and exploration; and Moon and its role in American national identity, politics, and culture. Also considered: plans for future lunar travel and settlement.
5 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit · GER: WAY-A-II
The Moon is simultaneously familiar and alien, near at hand and yet largely beyond our reach. As such, it has been the object of close, careful, scientific observation and a site for fantasy and dreams. This course examines the history of American representations of the Moon from the mid-19th century through the present, with particular attention to the interplay between the real and the fantastic in imaginings of the Moon. It brings into conversation art, photography, literature, film, and the history of science. Topics include the social and historical context of lunar images; media and methods for representing the Moon; hoaxes, skepticism, and critiques of lunar images and exploration; and Moon and its role in American national identity, politics, and culture. Also considered: plans for future lunar travel and settlement.
Offered in Autumn 2026 at Stanford University.