The course examines the genre of science fiction from 1945 to the present. Students will learn about the development of the genre, major works within it, and productive theoretical and methodological approaches to it.

1 x 1hr seminar per week over ten weeks OR 7 x 90min seminars over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus

2 x 2-hr lectures (online anytime), 1 x 3hr workshop (online anytime), 1 x 3hr workshop (online live) as scheduled on MyCampus.

This is one of the Honours options in English Literature and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

ENGLIT4062  Science Fiction

The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ Close reading exercise 2000 words: 35%  

■ Essay 3000 words: 50%  

■ Seminar presentation of 7 minutes: 15% 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available: 

■ There are no alternatives to the Close reading exercise 2000 words), but flexible deadline can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

■ There are no alternatives to the Essay (3000 words), but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

■ Recorded presentation or One-to-one presentation / discussion/Q&A with staff (where presentation would normally be in class) as alternative to seminar presentation.

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.  

This course will provide the opportunity to:

■ develop knowledge and understanding of science fiction

■ develop an understanding of the theoretical approaches and methodologies employed in the field of science-fiction criticism

■ critically engage with a range of selected works from 1945-present

■ construct and develop individually selected areas of specialised investigation

■ acquire a wider, transferable sense of the humanistic ethical dialogue with technological and scientific developments.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ write knowledgeably about science fiction from 1945-present as well as specific major works

■ apply appropriate critical approaches and methodologies to works of science fiction

■ relate science fiction to its wider cultural, historical, and intellectual context

■ research independently in the field of science-fiction criticism

■ discuss technological and scientific development with appropriate ethical and humanistic sensitivity

■ communicate responses to the material studied on the course both orally and in written form through coherent and sustained argument.

■ demonstrate resilience and time management through effectively planning, undertaking and submitting coursework.

■ deal with change and new challenges by applying their disciplinary skills and knowledge to previously unfamiliar research areas and questions.