Welcome to The History of Science Fiction. This is a high school level English class. We will review or learn the historical/cultural backgrounds that led to different movements in the development of Science Fiction. We will discuss the historical and modern themes of SF and learn about SF through a variety of mediums (novels, novellas, short stories, TV, movies). 

Outside of class, students will be responsible for reading or watching various material. This varies from reading a piece of literature to watching a short biographical or historical video. We will discuss the historical background of the time period, the themes of the literature we are studying, the most important authors, and the ways that this period influenced modern science fiction.  Throughout the semester, students will have the opportunity to tailor homework to their individual interests.  We will have a final project that is interest-led and allows  the students to walk away with an edited work. 

This is a discussion-intensive course. All students are expected to interact with respect and civility.  I understand that the topics and themes can be controversial and invite disagreement. However, kindness facilitates productive and persuasive conversation. 

I will mark and return all homework or projects.  The act of editing and revising is what makes students better writers. Spelling, grammar and writing conventions are important, however they are not the focus of this class. If a parent desires a grade assigned, please contact me before the semester begins. I am willing to provide a homework grade, final project grade and overall grade for the class. Students and parents should understand that the teacher considers plagiarism as well as the use of generative AI in composition to be unacceptable.  Parents will be contacted if such a problem is suspected and no grade or feedback will be given.  If a student finds reading and writing difficult, I am willing for them to access the material in audio format and to submit their homework in video form. If students find class discussion difficult, I am willing for them to interact with the material through increased writing.  Please contact me before the semester begins to discuss accommodations. 

Week 1: We will discuss Gothic literature as the predecessor of SF with a focus on Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein." 

Week 2: We will discuss the themes and tropes of "The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde."

Week 3: We will discuss the theme of technology and the rise of steam punk as well as discuss "Around the World in 80 Days."

Week 4: We will discuss several themes in The Time Machine including eugenics, utopia/dystopia, and theme of time travel.

Week 5: We will talk about the birth of "science fiction" as a genre.  Writers covered this week will include Heinlein, Clarke and Asimov. 

Week 6: We will use another online archive to visit the pages of the comic books springing up in the 1940s. We will discuss the historical pressures that led to the rise of the superhero and see if any of them apply to recently popular DC and Marvel movies.  Students over 13 will have the opportunity to independently explore the archives as part of their homework. 

Week 7: We will discuss Japanese culture and history and the development of the Godzilla movies.  We will also discuss anime's place in modern SF. 

Week 8: We will look at television as a medium for SF, discuss Star Trek and Dr. Who, and talk about political activism and SF.

Week 9: We will look at AI and the Turing test.  All students rough drafts of their projects are due this week! 

Week 10: We will spend this class presenting our final projects and celebrating what we have learned.