Science Fiction Genre and Concerns Familiar Science Fiction

Familiar Science Fiction l l l l l Star Wars Star Trek 2001: A

What do these stories all have in common? l Setting: the future l Advanced

Sci Fi vs. Fantasy Science fiction is based in fact: some of the technology

It’s all about the “What if” l Authors chose to write in the science

Why Sci. Fi? l Makes us consider the emotional, psychological, and physical effects of

History of Childhood’s End l Author: Arthur C. Clarke -renowned Science Fiction author l

Sci Fi Elements in Childhood’s End l Setting: the future - the beginning of

Slides: 8

Download presentation

Science Fiction Genre and Concerns

Familiar Science Fiction l l l l l Star Wars Star Trek 2001: A Space Odyssey Independence Day I, Robot Men in Black Terminator The Matrix Jurassic Park

What do these stories all have in common? l Setting: the future l Advanced technology: genetic engineering, intelligent robots, experimental medicine l Concerned with outer space: aliens, space travel, other planets and solar systems l Paranormal Phenomena and the Occult: ESP, telekinesis, psychics

Sci Fi vs. Fantasy Science fiction is based in fact: some of the technology is invented, some of the places are made up, but all of it is conceivable. Fantasy is not based in reality: it is purely imaginative.

It’s all about the “What if” l Authors chose to write in the science fiction genre because it allows them to reflect upon different scenarios in the future, based on what’s happening today. l Science fiction allows us to investigate our society’s fears, dilemmas and concerns if we take a certain course of action, or if we keep doing things the way that we are.

Why Sci. Fi? l Makes us consider the emotional, psychological, and physical effects of futuristic ideas, conflict and change. l Encourages us to keep an open mind to consider unlimited possibilities. l Provokes questions regarding other forms of life, thereby bringing our own into perspective. l Stimulates curiosity and the capacity for invention. l Presents the reader with moral and ethical dilemmas that correspond to the real world.

History of Childhood’s End l Author: Arthur C. Clarke -renowned Science Fiction author l Published in 1953 History -On the brink of the Space Race -The end of the British Empire and Colonialism -Pre-Civil Rights Movement Technology -The first color TV went on sale in the US for $1, 175 -New York introduced the first 3 -color stop lights

Sci Fi Elements in Childhood’s End l Setting: the future - the beginning of the 21 st century -50 years later, the middle of the 21 st C l Concern with Outer Space: -Aliens -Humans have been to the moon; haven’t yet traveled the whole solar system l Advanced Technology: -advanced communications, speedy travel l Paranormal Phenomena -ESP and psychic experiences, the Ouija board, The Overmind