Exploring Science Fiction (10 credit points)

Pre-requisites for enrolment

No prior knowledge required.

Content of Course

Using literature as a starting point for wider discussions about society, we will look at a number of significant authors and novels in the science fiction genre through lectures, guided close reading and discussion. Authors include Ursula le Guin, Isaac Asimov and Philip K. Dick.

Teaching method(s)

Lecture and guided close reading and discussion. Reading of the set texts is essential.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the vocabulary and narrative conventions of science fiction;

• Discuss the history of science fiction, its cultural and political context, and of contemporary developments in the field;

• Read actively rather than passively.

Sources

Core Readings

Students are advised to wait until the course has been confirmed to run before purchasing any of the recommended books.

Essential:

• Asimov I. (2018) I, Robot. New York: HarperCollins
• Dick, P. K. (2017) Ubik. London: Orion
• Le Guin, U. (2023) The Lathe of Heaven. London: Orion
• Abe, K. (2023) The Ark Sakura. London: Penguin
• Morgan, R. K. (2018) Altered Carbon. London: Orion
• Sorokin, V. (2018) Day of the Oprichnik. London: Penguin

Web Sources

http://www.sfhub.ac.uk

SF hub, hosted by the University of Liverpool, provides a plethora of sources for scholars interested in science fiction.

Class Handouts

Handouts will be provided.

Assessments

10 credit courses have one assessment. Normally, the assessment is a 2000 word essay, worth 100% of the total mark, submitted by week 12. To pass, students must achieve a minimum of 40%. There are a small number of exceptions to this model which are identified in the Studying for Credit Guide.

Studying for Credit

If you choose to study for credit you will need to allocate significant time outwith classes for coursework and assessment preparation. Credit points gained from this course can count towards the Certificate of Higher Education.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.