Great Short Stories of Science Fiction Camp: Asimov, Le Guin, and Keyes
Through the lens of short stories, we will look at the ethical issues brought up by some of the greatest writers in Science Fiction.
Tassie Bauman Smith
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(397)
What's included
3 live meetings
2 hrs 45 mins in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. The reading for this class is challenging. Students will need to read 3 short stories in a week. The links to download the PDFs are in the class description so students can start the reading right away. Depending on reading level/speed students will need approximately an hour to read the first and last story. The middle story is shorter and can be read in perhaps half an hour.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
Intermediate Level
Science fiction as a genre has a long history with short stories. It also has a long history wrestling with difficult and sensitive topics. As a kind of speculative fiction, Sci Fi asks questions that might otherwise be taboo. Come and join me to read three great short stories, each one with deep and disturbing themes which may lead us to question our own society and our role in it. Day 1: Students should read "Nightfall" by Isaac Asimov before coming to class. In class we will learn about Asimov's place in Science Fiction history. We will discuss the structure of the story, the role religion plays in the story (ie the cultist), and the idea of the "what if" in science fiction. https://mysite.du.edu/~treddell/3780/Asimov_Nightfall.pdf Day 2: Students should read "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" by Ursula Le Guin before coming to class. In class we we will learn about Le Guin's place in Science Fiction history. We will discuss the structure of the story with a focus on the ethics of the society and the questions posed by the ending. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/d317/ba42f5716881c691d652672f66de87b4d677.pdf Day 3: Students should read "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes before coming to class. (Please be sure to get the short story not the novel!) In class we will discuss Keyes vision of low vs high intelligence and how it was relayed through word choice, insight and writing style. We will discuss the modern concept of "bullying" and "becoming a victim" in light of the story. https://www.sdfo.org/gj/stories/flowersforalgernon.pdf Because of COPPA regulations, I am not able to recommend links to students under 13 to read these stories at this time. In the introduction post, I will post links to Youtube readings of each story. If you are interested in reading the stories ahead of time, parents and learners over 13 can find the material by googling the author, title, and the words PDF. This is a discussion intensive course. All students are expected to interact with respect and civility. I understand that the material is controversial and expect and welcome disagreement, but kindness facilitates productive and persuasive conversation. If a student finds reading difficult, I am willing for them to access the material in audio format. Please contact me with any questions concerning accommodations.
Learning Goals
Students will explore ethics, the short story form, and learn about several very important figures in Science Fiction.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
These short stories are full of sensitive topics including the value of low vs high intelligence, disability, what it means to be a human being, genetic disorders, guilt, the role of religion in society, scapegoatism, abuse, and sex outside of marriage. In no way is any of the language graphic or erotic. As a teacher, I approach all these things as an opportunity to explore ethics and good character. However, you should consider previewing these short stories to see if they are appropriate for your learner. (Please leave me a message with any questions! I'll be happy to discuss these questions before your learner begins the class.)
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined September, 2019
5.0
397reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I teach all kinds of English classes including writing, grammar, literature, and ESL. I am an avid reader of fiction and non-fiction especially poetry, science fiction, and fantasy.
I have been teaching for more than 10 years. I taught English as Foreign Language in three different Chinese universities for a total of eight and a half years. These classes included comprehensive English, listening and speaking, writing, and pronunciation. I taught BA, MA, and Ph.D. students. Since we have returned to the United States, I have taught childbirth classes, online ESL through VIPkid, and Sunday School.
I am also a professional writer. I have a traditionally published book, another at my publisher waiting to be edited, and a novel in its second draft. I love giving students the chance to communicate, write, and learn in community with others.
I balance all this with being a homeschool mom. I have homeschooled my two daughters a total of fifteen years. My older daughter attended our local public high school, so I am familiar with public school needs and requirements as well.
I love sharing the wonder of language with learners young and old--both those who are learning English for the first time and those who are diving into the joys of literature. Reviews
Live Group Class
$50
for 3 classes3x per week, 1 week
55 min
Completed by 36 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
3-8 learners per class
