Considers themes science fiction shares with religion, including questions of transcendence, the nature of reality, apocalypticism, utopias, the problem of evil, religion and scientific speculation, race and colonialism, new media, and the application of science fiction theory to religious studies.

Prerequisites: Upper-division standing.

4

Units

Optional

Grading

1, 2, 3

Passtime

Upper division only

Level Limit

Letters and science

College
Rudy Busto
4.4
45 reviews
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RG ST 110F Busto R V Winter 2025 Total: 29
RG ST 110F Busto R V Winter 2022 Total: 26
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45
4.4
RGST110F . 6 Years Ago

Religion and Science Fiction. Signed up on a whim. Best course I've ever taken with the most interesting and philosophical prof ever. This was my first Reg Studies course but my mind was blown on a daily basis. So grateful for the opportunity to have had him as a prof. TAKE HIM!!!

1 helpful 0 unhelpful
RGST191 . 3 Months Ago

Dr. Busto is the most engaging professor I have had at UCSB, he spun Latino Religion, something I had no background and not a lot of interest in, to something I enjoyed writing a final paper about. If you come to class every day and make yourself known you won't regret it. Do the reading and assignments/writing is easy.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
RGST191 . 4 Months Ago

Good professor but very unorganized. We didn't have a syllabus until week 3, and even then, a lot of stuff was TBA. The lectures were okay; if you want to do good on papers, pander to him. He only wants to hear what he likes.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
RGST71 . 1 Year, 11 Months Ago

Professor Busto is very passionate about what he teaches. You don't have to go to lecture, but 1. he doesn't post the slides until a few days before the exams, and 2. is a great and entertaining lecturer. You have to do a fair amount of studying for each exam, but if you go to lecture and pay attention, the study guide will come naturally.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
RGST190FC . 2 Years Ago

One of the best classes ever taken! The assigned readings were a few page articles that were about very interesting topics. The grading was very light and not about how good the paper was but that you followed his guidelines. He gave you the option of what kind of final you can write. A lot of creative liberty and room for open-minded discussion.

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ASAM71 . 2 Years Ago

Busto is an amazing professor who knows how to connect with students. He keeps his class chill and work is only a few essays based on lecture material. Would take again just to hang out.

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