Dreams, Hopes, and Fears: Science Fiction Introduction PDF

DREAMS, HOPES AND FEARS EXPLORING SCIENCE FICTION (SW THEME)  DEFINITION "Science fiction is the branch of literature that deals with the effects of change on people in the real world as it can be projected into the past, the futur...

DREAMS, HOPES AND FEARS EXPLORING SCIENCE FICTION (SW THEME)  DEFINITION "Science fiction is the branch of literature that deals with the effects of change on people in the real world as it can be projected into the past, the future, or to distant places. It often concerns itself with scientific or technological change, and it usually involves matters whose importance is greater than the individual or the community; often civilization or the race itself is in danger." — James E. Gunn, "Towards A Definition Of Science Fiction" in Speculations On Speculation.  KEY POINTS Change Science and Technology Big Issues … science fiction stories are given as possible, not necessarily here and now, but somewhere, sometime." — Larry Niven, Scatterbrain. KEY POINTS Possible “What if.......?” STYLES OF SCI-FI (SUB-GENRES) STYLES OF SCI-FI In groups, see if you can come up with TWO examples of books or movies for at least three of the sub-genres (so 6 examples total) “A science fiction story is a story built around human beings, with a human problem and a human solution, which would not have happened at all without its scientific content." — Theodore Sturgeon, quoted in A Saucer Of Loneliness: The Complete Stories of Theodore Sturgeon. KEY POINTS Humanity Problem Solution Science Classic elements of a science fiction novel include: Or a combination of these… a time traveling alien for example What do you know about aliens? Discuss in groups. 7 news (UFO encounters) the phenomenon trailer  How much of the ocean is unexplored? Are there areas yet to be explored in the world? BENEATH THE SURFACE MOVILE CAVE  What is crispr? Do you think the innovations are good? Are there any risks? HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=JAHJP D4UNFY Watch this video and note down some scientific predictions that came true HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=IAZAI DLWHGW SO WHAT’S THAT GOT TO DO WITH DREAMS HOPES AND FEARS?  WELL… If we look at the world as it is now, then maybe we can work out what will happen in the future or what might have been in the past. This might be good – cool inventions – or it might be bad – cities falling into the sea – but writing about it helps to think about it so that maybe, just maybe, we can come up with a plan on how to deal with it. Sometimes the good stuff turns out bad and the bad stuff isn’t as horrible as we thought it might be.  DYSTOPIA Example: The Hunger Games The Giver 1984 Key Elements Major catastrophe Solution worse than problem Lots of surveillance Corrupt government WHAT MAKES A GOOD GOVERNMENT?  PREDICTION Example: Alone: Chasers Monument 14 Key Elements Fear of outcomes if something goes wrong Excited by the possibilities if it all goes right Clear links between the present and the future WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE?  TECHNOLOGY Example: Revolution 19 Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Key Elements Technology surpassing humanity How will machines react? How will humans react? HOW PEOPLE DEAL WITH A CHANGING WORLD  ALIENS Example: I am Number 4 Starship Troopers Key Elements Are we alone? Intelligent beings other than humans- FEAR Invasion or enlightenment? DEALING WITH DIFFERENCE  POST-APOCALYPTIC Example: Obernewtyn The 100 Z for Zachariah Monument 14 Key Elements Responsibility – Humanity or the Environment? War or Natural Disaster? Affects most of the planet Individuals need to show resilience and resourcefulness  WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF WE CONTINUE THE WAY WE ARE CURRENTLY GOING?  I WONDER? In groups, discuss the following: What could be a dream that I would like to see become a reality? What do I hope might happen in the future? What do I fear will happen based on what’s happening today?  I WONDER? What could be a dream that I would like to see become a reality? Flying cars What do I hope might happen in the future? There is an end to hunger because scientists develop a way to create food What do I fear will happen based on what’s happening today? Global warming will cause the water levels to rise and we have to live on floating islands.  GETTING TO KNOW OUR COLLECTION Using the book blurb answer the following questions: What are the key elements explored in the book? What category does the book fall under? Is it a positive or negative version of the category? Recreate the blurb so that it has the opposite version to the one you’ve identified.