This dissertation documents the different ways in which specialists approach science fiction. Descriptions of courses are presented for four universities, two four-year colleges, and one two-year community college. At all the schools, science fiction is a medium for social criticism. Otherwise the courses differ in content, format, and the methods used to teach them. A survey of the attitudes and values of students in regard to science fiction shows that its popularity as a course derives from students' interest in the themes which science fiction writers explore. Science fiction is a medium for self-exploration and self-discovery for most of the students. Three study guides on alienation and the deviant, artificial intelligence and automation, and the discovery of extraterrestrial life are contained in this dissertation. The study guides consist of objectives, reading schedules, commentaries on the readings, discussion questions, topics for papers, and simulation exercises. (Author/RB)