English
The Fermi Paradox and First Contact Science Fiction
In this one-time course, we will explore proposed solutions to the Fermi Paradox and depictions of First Contact encounters with aliens in sci-fi literature, movies, and TV.
11-15
year olds
3-18
learners per class
$16
Charged upfront
Meets once
55 minute class
There are no open spots for this class, but you can request another time or scroll down to find more classes like this.
Description
Class Experience
This course is intended for home school students at the high school level. It is a one-time, summarized version of my 12-week course. As such, it can serve as an introduction to learners who might be interested in a more robust learning experience. The following groups of students should find this course particularly useful: those interested in pursuing careers in astrobiology, specifically, or astronomy more generally; those interested in sci-fi, specifically, and literature more generally;...
To introduce, understand, and examine the Fermi Paradox and the search for extraterrestrial life and civilization. To understand the different categories of proposed solutions to the paradox. To identify and compare depictions of 'first contact' in pop culture and sci-fi literature.
I have a Ph.D. in International Studies and several years experience teaching undergraduate political science courses at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. I also have a lifelong obsession with the Fermi Paradox and am currently completing the final edits of the first novel in a comedic first-contact sci-fi trilogy. Additionally, as a social scientist, I will leverage the topic of pseudoscientific UFO conspiracy theories to demonstrate the need for critical thinking and a scientific approach to open questions.
55 minutes per week in class, and maybe some time outside of class.
Regarding the Fermi Paradox itself: Stephen Webb, If the Universe Is Teeming with Aliens ... WHERE IS EVERYBODY?: Seventy-Five Solutions to the Fermi Paradox and the Problem of Extraterrestrial Life 2nd ed. 2015 Edition. First contact sci-fi literature, short stories and short novels: Arthur C. Clarke, Childhood’s End Ted Chang, The Story of Your Life H.G. Wells, War of the Worlds
Teacher
About Me
Hi there!! I have been teaching most of my adult life in one form or another. I taught political science courses to undergrads for several years at Old Dominion University here in Norfolk, Virginia. My classes here are intended to help provide...
