Module Code and Title:       LIT106 The History of The Future: Science Fiction

Programme:                          BA in English Studies

Credit Value:                         12

Module Tutor:                       Vanlallawmkimi, Yesodha Chauhan, Poonam Chettri

Module Coordinator:            Vanlallawmkimi

General objective: This module aims to introduce students to the science fiction genre, its origin and development. The module will also develop skills of textual analysis and interpretation through study of a developing and complex genre. This module will explore both ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ science fiction. On a broader level, this module will develop conceptual and communicative skills as well as nurturing independent, creative, and critical thinking. This module is also intended to foster interest in a genre which is particularly relevant to the present age of rapid social and scientific change.

Learning outcomes – On completion of this module, learners should be able to:

1. Identify the main features that distinguish science fiction as a genre
2. Apply the concepts of 'hard' and 'soft' science to the discussion of literature.
3. Discuss the prescribed texts based on their science fiction sub-genres.
4. Place representative works of science fiction in a larger cultural, intellectual, and aesthetic context.
5. Analyse how science fiction can act as an effective vehicle for discussion of a wide range of subjects related to global development.
6. Describe the historic development of science fiction into its modern form as a literary genre and mode of art.
7. Compose an original science fiction text.

Learning and Teaching Approach:

 Assessment Approach:

A. Short Story Composition: Portion of Final Marks: 25%

Students will be asked to compose an original short story of at least 800 words. 10% will be graded on the in-class draft, 5% on the improvement on feedback, and 10% for the final submission. This should demonstrate their ability to recognise features of the science fiction genre and employ them. Assessment will be based on the ‘Creative Writing’ rubric.

B. Class Test: Portion of Final Marks: 10%

A written tests will be conducted for 45 min duration and cover 2-3 weeks of material.

C. Presentation: Portion of Final Mark: 15%

Students may be assigned topics in groups based on the prescribed texts; however, each individual student will present a part of the work. Each group will be assigned a group mark and an individual mark. The duration of each individual presentation will be 5-7 minutes. Assessment will be based on the ‘Oral Tasks’ rubric.

D. Class participation and preparedness: Portion of Final Mark: 10%

Students will be expected to participate substantially in class discussions, with contributions reflecting adequate preparation for topics under discussion. Assessment will be based on the ‘Participation and Preparedness’ rubric.

E. Midterm Examination: Portion of Final Mark: 10%

Students will take a written exam of 1.5 hr duration covering topics up to the mid-point of the semester.

Pre-requisites: LIT102: The Craft of the Short Story

Subject matter:

1. The origins and development of the science fiction genre
   • The rise of science and decline of religious certainty
   • The structure and characteristics of the science fiction story
   • Hard and soft sci-fi
2. Early examples of the genre
   • Reading and analysis of Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift (Book Three: Laputa)
   • The 19th century
   • Science, imperialism (the 'Other'), the new search for meaning
   • The relationship between science fiction and political ideology
3. Utopian and dystopian fiction
   • Reading and analysis of The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
   • State surveillance and paranoia
4. The 20th century 'Golden Age'
   • Reading and analysis of First Law by Asimov,
   • Reading and analysis of The Veldt by Ray Bradbury
5. 'Hard' sci-fi
   • Reading and analysis of Dune by Frank Herbert
   • Relating to physics, chemistry, astronomy etc.
6. 'Soft' sci-fi
   • Reading and analysis of Neuromancer by William Gibson
   • Relating to psychology, political and social sciences
   • Cyberpunk as a genre

Reading List:

1. Essential Reading
   • Asimov, I. (1983). The First Law, The Complete Robot. Variety Book Depot. Retrieved From http://www.angelfire.com/tx/windstormsworld/fiction/1stlaw.html
   • Atwood, M. (1990) The Handmaid’s Tale.
   • Bradbury, R. (2011). The Veldt. Retrieved from http://www.d.umn.edu/~csigler/PDF%20files/bradbury_veldt.pdf
   • Gibson, W. Neuromancer (1995). London: Harper Collins.
   • Herbert, F. (1990). Dune. Ace.
   • Swift, J. (1999). Gulliver’s Travels. Rupa Publications Pvt. Ltd.
2. Additional Reading
   • Bould, M. et al. (2009). The Routledge Companion to Science Fiction. New York: Routledge.
   • Burns, T. (2010). Political Theory, Science Fiction, and Utopian Literature. Plymouth: Lexington Books.

Date: December 20, 2015