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:

The module provides an opportunity for a detailed study of the Science Fiction genre, with special reference to film. Areas to be covered will include topics such as utopia and dystopia in science fiction, technology and culture, cyborgs, aliens, virtual reality.

The module examines recent developments concerning the role of technology in society and film, explores cyborgisation, posthuman evolution, technoscience and technoculture and links these to earlier forms of humanism and anti-humanism.

Material for analysis will be drawn initially from films, relevant internet material, theoretical and popular texts on the current 'state of humanity' and new media and cultural practices (eg. simulation games).

There will be a weekly film-screening for this module

Learning and Teaching Information:

The scheme assumes recruitment of 30.

Lecture/Workshop/Weekly Film Screening
Student hours: 80

Seminars
Contact Hours: 18
Number of Groups: 1

Workshops
Contact Hours: 18
Number of Groups: 2 x 15

Guided Independent Study
Hours: 84

Further details relating to assessment
Assessment 1 - essay: The first assignment is an essay of 2000-2200 words focussing on the topics covered in semester one 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 looksat how science fiction deals with the philosophical issues discussed during semester 2 of the module. The format may be an essay (written of 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.

Assessment:

001 Essay 1 1 x 2000 words end of Semester 1 50%
002 Negotiated assessment end of Semester 2 50%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Ms Elizabeth Rymer
Level - 6
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 6YL

Click here to go back to previous page