This course examines the literary and cultural genre of science fiction. Science fiction’s role as a cultural and counter-cultural force, the impact of fandom and fans, as well as its history and reception will be seen through the lens of standard science fiction tropes and themes including:
- Time Travel
- Alien Invasion/Contact
- Biological/Genetic Manipulation
- Cyberpunk
- Alternative History
- Space Opera/Future War
- Post-Apocalypse
- Utopia/Dystopia
The course will also use science fiction as an example and testing ground for exploring separations between “literary” and “popular” (or “high” and “low”) culture.
Learning objectives:
- To make students aware of the history and diversity of science fiction
- To examine the ways in which science fiction uniquely deals with vital literary and cultural themes.
- To examine the reasons for and nature of the separation between “literary” and “popular” fiction.
- To improve students’ skills in literary and cultural analysis.
