The author notes the growing use of scientific concepts in contemporary experimental novels, as well as the development of structuralism, a method of literary criticism drawing heavily upon the sciences. He suggests that these are valuable trends toward strengthening the bridge between the sciences and the humanities. (Author/SJL)

The articles collected in this volume focus on the literary genre science fiction. Part one, "Backgrounds," includes "Starting Points" (Kingsley Amis), "Science Fiction and Literature" (Robert Conquest), and "The Roots of Science Fiction" (Robert Scholes). Part two, "Theory," contains "On the Poetics of the Science Fiction Genre" (Darko Suvin),…

A guide for teaching science fiction in secondary and college classrooms, this book contains an introductory essay that covers a variety of points about teaching science fiction, with a discussion of the audience, the correlation between science and fiction, and the changing role of science fiction. In a second essay, four categories of science…

Discusses archetypal criticism as a means of understanding Science Fiction. (RB)

This issue provides a selection of articles about literature and the teaching of literature. Titles include "Sin, Salvation, and Grace in 'The Scarlet Letter,'""'The Road Not Taken': A Study in Ambiguity,""In Search of Shakespeare: The Essential Years,""Right Deeds for Wrong Reasons: Teaching the Bible as…

Science fiction and fantasy play an important role in shaping the future while stimulating readers' imaginations. They expand our consciousness and provide living images of the world of creation, not as it is or was, but as it has the potential of becoming. Any literature, art form, or medium of expression which is capable of affecting the…

For the student of American politics as well as for the student of Brazilian literature and culture, a close reading of a 70-year old Brazilian science fiction novel could provide some insights into the ongoing presidential campaign in the United States. In 1925, one of Brazil's most popular writers, Jose Bento Monteiro Lobato, wrote a novel…

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)

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…

This teacher resource handbook provides a guide to science fiction books and themes for developing a secondary or university course on science fiction literature. The first section defines and examines the origin and reputation of science fiction writing. Section two provides a history of science fiction literature, including short biographies of…