Octavia Butler was the first Black woman to achieve mainstream success in science fiction, becoming the first science fiction writer to win the prestigious MacArthur "Genius" Fellowship in 1995. First published in 1993, Butler’s prescient novel, Parable of the Sower, is set in the near future, outlining a dystopian America suffering from economic collapse, climate change, and the fall of the rule of law. The main character, 18-year-old Lauren, recognizes her family and community are in denial as to their danger, surviving disaster through her new religion of change she calls Earthseed. Due to a recent resurgence in popularity of the novel, Warner Bros announced this spring that a feature film, directed by Melina Matsoukas, is in the works.
This course will touch on Butler’s life and fiction, as well as providing an in-depth examination of this groundbreaking novel.
About instructor Rachelle Smith.
Register online at Patreon - only $25
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updated 8/24/2026