Higher education is at a pivotal point of reflection due to the forces of neoliberalism, anti-Blackness, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In the past, higher education has overlooked the university's far future, opting to focus on readily conspicuous change. Along with this disregarded conversation, these crises present higher education faculty,…

A. E. van Vogt's theory of "unreality" explains in part how he has become so prolific in a literary genre--science fiction/science fantasy--which only recently has experienced a rise in popularity. His theory states that the science fictional sentence must have in it something that requires a contribution from the reader. If the author…

Argues that students of all ages respond to the mystery, possibility, and adventure of science fiction and fantasy and should not be discouraged from reading in these genres under the pretense that they are "less grown up" than more "realistic" genres. Reviews a number of good science fiction books published from 1994-95. (TB)

Recounts an interview with author Madeleine L'Engle. Includes her views on who comprises the audience for her books. Explores "Many Waters,""A Wrinkle in Time,""A Swiftly Tilting Planet," and other L'Engle works. (SG)

Contends that by understanding what extrapolation is and the ways in which it is used, people not only sharpen their appreciation of how the imaginary worlds of science fiction and fantasy are created but also begin to recognize that the process is frequently used by everyone. (FL)

Relates the author's personal experiences growing up with and writing science fiction. Discusses symbols that work themselves out in the writing of science fiction. (PRA)

Explores what it feels like for a science fiction writer to have reality alone to hold the reader's interest. Discusses the author's novels "Interstellar Pig" and "Spirit Houses," the influence of the Thai culture on the second work, and the influence of the Thai culture on the author's ideas about fantasy and science fiction.…

Argues that good film and television fantasy is not a retreat from reality but a means of expanding the imagination. (FL)

The "Star Wars" trilogy is a fairy tale projected into the future which exemplifies in a clear-cut manner many of the archetypes of Jungian psychology. These films are modern retellings of ancient myths. Carl Jung has described myths as "fundamental expressions of human nature." In the films, fairy tale motifs such as typical…

Reevaluates Robert C. O'Brien's novel 17 years after its first appearance. (RBW)

Addresses two misunderstandings about science fiction and fantasy: that fantastic literature is not serious; and that modern scientific civilization neither has nor needs mythology. Argues that values can be transmitted through science fiction and fantasy, which are modern-day forms of mythology. (RS)

Discusses how the author blends oriental myth, fantasy, and science to produce unique science fiction. (PRA)

Discusses what makes fantasy writing and science fiction easy. States that, for the writer, science fiction and fantasy allow more freedom to develop the story. Asserts that science fiction allows adolescents to explore their concerns in a seemingly safe and removed way. Notes that it is difficult to write believable and consistent stories for…

Asserts that not all science fiction is great. Discusses ways to tell the difference between the good and the bad. Encourages even those teachers who are most leery of a genre with which they are unfamiliar to jump in and try science fiction as a way of opening up student minds and imaginations. (PRA)

Contends that fantasy always includes at least one element of the impossible, one element that goes against the laws of the physical universe as currently understood. Suggests that fantasy can help in learning the most fundamental skill of all--how to be human. (MS)