Description:
The course will begin with a discussion of the fantasy and science fiction genres. We will try to figure out what elements determine the genre, that is, what key, essential ingredients are necessary for prose to be classified “fantasy and/or science fiction". We will go on to investigate the question, "What makes a story great?"
Throughout the course we will read short stories and discuss them in detail. We will examine the icons of these genres including CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien, and Phillip K. Dick.
Finally, you will write three short stories, including a very short one (a single page), a longer one (5-8 double-spaced pages) and a very long one (10-12 double spaced pages). These stories will be peer-reviewed and I will cast my own opinions into the ring. Ultimately stories are meant to please an audience and some of the best feedback you will get will come from your readers.
The writing you do will grow and change as we continue to read more and different styles of SF. By the end of the course, you should have gained a solid understanding of the conventions of the genre and its historical developments.
Note: NCAA approval is under Science Fiction Short Stories |