MFC6182 - Science Fiction

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

(1) demonstrate systematic understanding of the genre of Science Fiction
(2) demonstrate critical understanding of the cultural context of the genre
(3) deploy and evaluate major concepts and theories in the analysis of selected material

Content:

This module explores the science fiction across a range of texts in various media (literature, film, TV, graphic novels, interactive narratives, etc) and across a range of historical and contemporary cultural contexts.

In Semester 1, key aspects of the genre will be studied, such as definitions and functions of science fiction, science fiction as allegory and satire, utopias and dystopias, the representation of science and technology, the monstrous, and gender.

Semester 2 addresses a range of philosophical topics that form the common core of the science fiction in order to allow students to explore topics such as the brain in a vat hypothesis, the relationship between reality and virtual reality, the uncanny valley and the posthuman, disasters and catastrophes, religion in the age of superheroes, and technological singularities; and to explore how science fiction deals with these issues.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The scheduled learning and teaching activities include lectures, screenings, workshops, and seminars. The lectures provide the necessary historical-cultural context for that week's topic, and will introduce relevant theoretical-analytical concepts or critical writing. Screenings provide examples of the critical and analytical concepts introduced in lectures, and the broad range of films used in this course will expand your reference base of films. Seminars provide you with an opportunity to discuss issues raised in the lectures and to voice your own responses to the screenings.

The module is delivered over two semesters to include a substantial piece of research driven by the student's own interest in the subject, as well as developing skills of analysis, reflection and synthesis.

Lecture/Workshop/Weekly Film Screening
Student hours: 80
Intended Group Size: 30

Seminars
Contact Hours: 18
Intended Group Size: 30

Workshops
Contact Hours: 18
Intended Group Size: 2 x 15

Guided Independent Study
Hours: 84

Further details relating to assessment
Assessment 1 - essay: The first assignment is an essay of 2,000-2,200 words focussing on the topics covered in Semester 1 of the module. The essay identifies and critically studies selected themes and topics in science fiction. Critical attention to the instantiation of these themes and topics in particular works is emphasised.

Assessment 2 - negotiated assessment format: The second assignment looks at how science fiction deals with the philosophical issues discussed during Semester 2 of the module. The format may be an essay (written or visual), report, podcast, presentation, or short piece of fiction (literary or comic book). The choice of format will be negotiated during the Semester 2 sessions.

Students permitted to take a half module for the award of 10 credits will be assessed on the basis of the form of work relevant to the semester of study.

Other relevant matters
The module handbook will contain contextualised marking criteria for the standard forms of negotiated assessment (report, presentation, essay, series of individual book/film reviews, film production). Criteria will be developed with students for any formats that are negotiated beyond this list.

Assessment:

001 Essay 1; 2,000 words; end of semester 1 50%
002 Essay 2; 2,000 words; end of semester 2 50%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Robbie McAllister
Level - 6
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 6YL

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