One quick note. In this course, we use the abbreviation “SF,” and never use the term “Sci-Fi.” I’ll explain that more clearly in class, but for now, don’t use that term, unless you want to see your professor’s angry face! angry face

Course Materials

For each Module, you’ll need to read three short stories (or two or four).  The short stories will be linked on the reading assignments page (which is password protected. I’ll give you the password in class).  You’ll also need to read a few novels, which you’ll need to buy.  They’re all widely available in a number of formats and from a number of vendors.  It doesn’t matter which edition you use, so feel free to buy an older copy or a used copy.  We definitely want you to own these books (and some of them you might own already!)

(Buy these!)

  1. The Martian by Andy Weir
  2. Hominids by Robert J. Sawyer
  3. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Phillip K. Dick
  4. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
  5. Kindred by Octavia Butler (and we will also read the Graphic Novel edition)
  6. Underground Airlines by Ben Winters

We’ll also be seeing at least two (maybe three or four) films.  Those will be shown during class time in the screening room here at Macaulay, but you can feel free to also buy or rent them yourself to review them on your time.

  1. Terminator 2
  2. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
  3. Blade Runner (maybe)
  4. Contact (maybe)

Assignments

For each reading, you will need to post a brief response here on the site.  These can be informal and personal, but will work as a way to get us started in discussion, so they should be posted before class time.

For each Module (except the first and last), you’ll need to write a paper (see the Writing Assignments page).  All papers must be submitted on time.  NO late papers!

You’ll also have a final project which will be more creative/exploratory/innovative.  We’ll talk much more about that later on.

You’ll also need to attend every class and to participate (actively, productively, consistently) in all class discussions.  Every time!

Grading Policies

Your grade will be based on three criteria, equally weighted (33.33333% for each criterion)

  1. Your grades on your papers (and the final project) will be averaged together (weighted to reward improvement) for one grade. (33.33333%)
  2. Your reading responses will count for one grade (33.33333%).
  3. You will receive a grade for your participation in class discussions (quality and quantity). This will be the third grade (33.33333%).

Your final grade in the course will be the average of these three grades.

The alert student will have noticed the extra .00001%…that’s the bonus point for good behavior (maintaining the integrity of the time-stream, upholding the prime directive, respecting the laws of physics, and so on.)

Plagiarism Statement

Do not plagiarize.  EVER.

Disability/Accessibility

If you have any special needs or requirements to help you succeed in the course, please let me know (privately, if you prefer).  I will do whatever is needed to make sure that all students have equal access and opportunity in this course.

Language and Concepts

Since this is a literature course, we will be reading about and discussing the full spectrum of the human experience.  Some of that will be disturbing and uncomfortable (and some will be uplifting and beautiful).  I will try to give you advance notice of concepts or language that might be difficult to deal with, but if at any time you find the course material to be troubling for you, let’s discuss it! As a class we can help each other to understand and work with a wide range of ideas and issues.  It’s part of what literature is for!