The Martian Chronicles Reading Group

Scheduling Note: For the session that begins Friday, October 23rd, we will not meet on November 27th. 

Any fan of science fiction knows that, at its best, it forces us to consider, "What if?" Though this novel (considered by some to be a collection of linked short stories) is nearly 70 years old, it is still considered a sci-fi masterpiece.  And the questions it raises are still relevant. Among other topics, we will discuss:

Are advances in technology always good? 
Are we prepared, as a society, to handle a future where machines take care of our every need?
Or is that future already here? If so, how are we handling it? ( Yo, Siri! Hey, Alexa!)
What if there really is life "out there"?
In what ways might extra-terrestrial life and civilization be different from our own?
How can these considerations inform our understanding of other cultures right here on Earth?
How does the book address such timely issues as racism, censorship, and what it means to be human--and humane?

Previous familiarity with science fiction is not necessary. Supplemental materials and videos will provide background and enrichment for the week’s work. 

For each week’s reading assignment, we will read and discuss the first chapter or two in class. 
The remaining chapters are homework and should be read before the next class. For each chapter, students will be expected to write a short journal entry that includes the main characters, the setting, a brief description of the chapter’s plot, and a reaction to/thoughts on/questions about the chapter.

Week 1
Introductions, expectations, historical context, and important literary concepts.
Chapters to be read by next week’s class: 
"Rocket Summer" (January 1999/2030)
"Ylla" (February 1999/2030)
"The Summer Night" (August 1999/2030)
"The Earth Men" (August 1999/2030)
"The Taxpayer" (March 2000/2031)
"The Third Expedition" (April 2000/2031)
Week 2
Discussion and sharing of selected journal observations.
Chapters to be read by next week’s class: 
"—And the Moon Be Still as Bright" (June 2001/2032)
"The Settlers" (August 2001/2032)
"The Green Morning" (December 2001/2032)
"The Locusts" (February 2002/2033)
"Night Meeting" (August 2002/2033)
Week 3
Discussion and sharing of selected journal observations.
Chapters to be read by next week’s class: 
"The Shore" (October 2002/2033)
"The Fire Balloons" (November 2002/2033)
"Interim" (February 2003/2034)
"The Musicians" (April 2003/2034)
"The Wilderness" (May 2003/2034)
"Way in the Middle of the Air" (June 2003/2034)
"The Naming of Names" (2004-05/2035-36)
Week 4
Discussion and sharing of selected journal observations.
Chapters to be read by next week’s class: 
"Usher II" (April 2005/2036)
"The Old Ones" (August 2005/2036)
"The Martian" (September 2005/2036)
"The Luggage Store" (November 2005/2036)
The final project will be introduced and options discussed. Projects may be designed by each student or chosen from a list provided and might include research, essay writing, creative writing, painting, drawing, sculpture, music, performance, etc. 
Week 5
Discussion and sharing of selected journal observations.
Chapters to be read by next week’s class: 
"The Off Season" (November 2005/2036)
"The Watchers" (November 2005/2036)
"The Silent Towns" (December 2005/2036)
"The Long Years" (April 2026/2057)
Week 6
Discussion and sharing of selected journal observations.
Chapters to be read by next week’s class: 
"There Will Come Soft Rains" (August 4, 2026/2057)
"The Million-Year Picnic" (October 2026/2057)
Week 7 
Final discussion and sharing of selected journal observations. Projects may be designed by each student or chosen from a list provided and might include research, essay writing, creative writing, painting, drawing, sculpture, music, performance, etc. 
Week 8
Students will present their projects to the class.