Science of Science Fiction

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Welcome to the Science of Science Fiction course page. Below you will find an explanation of the course followed by an outline of the texts and media we will be examining throughout the course. The information in this course was (and in essence still is still being) developed by Christian R. Mills (site webmaster and administrator).

Science Fiction seems to have developed two purposes over time. The first purpose is socioeconomic and political. Science fiction allows a writer to convey his or her thoughts and feelings on contemporary political, social, or economic ideas by explaining them in a futuristic or technological setting. The second purpose is not one that is usually intended by the author, but is interpreted by many readers. It is the introduction of new and imaginary technology that does not presently exist.

In this course, we will give an objective look at both of these effects of science fiction. Students will be required to fulfill both of the following requirements:

Students will be expected to analyze the political, social, and economic environment in which each story was written and to uncover the main points the author is trying to convey to the reader.
Students will be expected to analyze the fictional technology presented in each story and determine the affect the author's ideas have had on actual development of technology and the possible future development of technology that, so far, does not exist.

The following forms of media will be covered during the course: