The major prerequisite to studying science fiction as literature is determining the criteria by which it is to be evaluated. A middle ground which recognizes both literary merit and the genre's uniqueness (scientific orientation, dominancy of idea, and interest of speculation) proves to be the most workable approach and stresses the versatility…

Even the best university students reject serious modern literature in favor of science fiction and other popular fictions that present favorable, heroic versions of mankind. (JH)

College teachers of history can use science fiction to help students understand historical concepts. A seminar at the University of Tulsa used futuristic literature to provide a broader perspective on the present and the past. Available from: Loren E. Pennington, Division of Social Sciences, Emporia State University, 1200 Commercial, Emporia,…

The end of the world, or civilization, is probably one of humankind's most horrifying fears. The apocalypse has been explored by many writers, and the decision to include this type of literature in a curriculum depends on how the situation is presented and resolved. The work should offer some solution and hope. Two recent works of apocalyptic…

Science fiction is satisfying, not because it projects the future, but because it helps the reader deal with the present. (JH)

This paper describes an advanced English course at a Mexican university entitled, "Short Science Fiction Stories in English." The course is based on an ecological, co-emergent approach in which the various components of curriculum action are understood to exist in a dynamic and mutually specifying relationship. With this conceptual…

Suggests that a college English-as-a-Foreign-Language course using science fiction texts and films can help students whose imminent concern is not only language proficiency, but also the culture of an English-speaking world. Presents two techniques for helping students enjoy reading, thus enhancing their language skills. (Author/VWL)

A study expanded on earlier research into "envisionment," defined as "a personal text-world embodying all the reader understands, assumes, or imagines up to that point in the reading," in learners of English as a second language (ESL). Five Mexican engineering students performed think-aloud protocols while reading a short…

Science fiction is a literary genre that can be used in humanities courses to discuss ideas, attitudes, ethics, morality, and the effects of science and technology on the world's population. One of the best examples of a "classic" science fiction novel which can provoke class discussion is Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World,"…

Describes several science fiction stories that may be useful, due to their relevance to geology, to promote discussion in the science classroom. Suggestions for specific discussions are given. (SA)

Demand for courses in population problems has increased along with growing public awareness and concern for population-related matters. This paper describes an undergraduate classroom experience which provides an alternative approach to teaching population problems by replacing usual educational materials with selections from science fiction…

Discusses the use of science fiction as a part of a general astronomy course. The author describes how science fiction is used in conjunction with the study of the solar system. Suggested references and a science fiction reading list are also included. (HM)

Cited are the experiences of the authors with a college-level course which used science fiction films to teach scientific principles. Included is a set of sample scientific concepts explored using the film "Forbidden Planet." (CW)

Illustrates how science fiction can encourage students to reflect on the interaction of science, humanism, and literature, and on how this interplay causes permutations in human thought. Suggests thematic teaching approaches based on writings dealing with ethics, biological determinism, science and society, and science and the humanities. (RDS)