A few of you may remember Flatland: The Movie – one of my favorites of all time! I’d like to start our investigation of Space and Perspective by watching and reflecting on this half hour film. I’m not able to find an online version of the film, but have a DVD I plan to show.
Download Flatland Book
We will also be reading Flatland by Edwin Abbott Abbott over the course of the next few months. This short book was published in 1884 and explores the world of A. Square and his visitor from the third dimension. Here are a few ways to obtain an electronic version:
- BookRix offers a free downloadable copy of the book
- Here is a .pdf copy of the book (sadly, it’s missing the introduction and preface)
- If you have a Kindle, you might like this 99 cent version
My favorite part of the book is the introduction and preface to the second and revised edition, 1884. Open Flatland Introduction to read both the introduction and preface from a 1952 edition I was lucky to find. This is optional of course, but you might enjoy Abbott’s response to public criticism of his first edition.
Reading
Go ahead and read Part I, Sections 1-2 before class on Friday. Section 1 concerns the nature of Flatland (may seem a little different from the film). Section 2 concerns the climate and houses in Flatland. On Friday, we will talk more in depth about the houses in Flatland and design our own Flatland house.
Flatland: The Movie
Let’s go ahead and watch the movie now. Afterwards, we will discuss as a whole class. Tonight, I’ll be asking you to create a blog posting on your new site concerning the film.
Blog Prompt (your choice)
- Reflect freely in response to Flatland: The Movie. If you want more guidance, consider the guided prompt below.
- After watching Flatland: The Movie, reflect on your perspective as a 3D being? How might your perspective change if you were 0D, 1D, 2D, or 4D? Describe how you would see and move in one of these dimensions.
Reading
Read Part I, Sections 1-2 of Flatland before class on Friday.
