Science Fiction

January 2009

Course Description:

 

This course will explore the genre of Science Fiction by reading a collection of short stories and several novels. Throughout the semester the following questions will be addressed: What is Science Fiction? How does technology and the unknown touch upon the human condition? How does literature reveal truths about human nature?

 

Syllabus:

 

Ø  short stories (Golden Age through Media Generation)

Ø  Fahrenheit 451

Ø  Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Ø  Time Machine

Ø  Slaughterhouse Five

 

Expectations:

 

  1. Vocabulary – Every week you will be responsible for completing vocabulary exercises that correspond with a given set of words. Exercises are due on Thursdays and quizzes are given on Fridays.

 

  1. Journals – You will be asked to respond in writing to the readings or concepts explored in class. You are responsible to keep your journals in a notebook. Notebooks will be collected and graded.

 

  1. Homework – There will be a lot of home reading assigned. It is imperative that you complete the assigned reading so that you’re prepared for the next day’s class discussion or pop quiz.

 

  1. Preparation – In order to pass the course, you will need to come to class prepared every day. Please come to class with the following items:

 

Ø  Pen (blue or black) or pencil

Ø  Notebook/ binder

Ø  Classroom novel / materials

 

 

Grading:

Homework / Classwork                                   10%

Vocabulary                                          25%

Quiz                                                    15%

Essay/ Test / Project                           30%

Journals                                                           20%