The future curricula of the humanities are discussed in relation to the inclusion of science-fiction as an appropriate subject. It is believed that the curricula of the future will have the following characteristics in common: (1) Although curricula will give due recognition to the contributions of the past, it will begin in the present and will…

A review of the growth and development of science fiction literature and the ways in which it relates all cultures and reflects the comtemporary world. (RB)

This booklet discusses the development of science fiction, tracing its origins to the time of the industrial revolution. Many of the people of this time realized that life was changing and would continue to change, that there were new forces at work in the world, and that humankind should exercise some forethought about the direction in which…

This paper examines the use of science fiction to predict the future. First, science fiction is compared to other fiction literature forms; then the changes in science fiction over the last 20 years are discussed. The influence of recent scientific advances on science fiction is also presented. The generation of alternative scenarios of the future…

In the interest of a way to make learning better the author examines the writings of educational reformers of the sixties and relates their theories to the works of current science fiction writers. (RB)

Questions whether the world presented in interactive fiction is a "literary one." Defines "literariness" as quality of "making strange" that which is linguistically familiar. Randall presents study of: "Mindwheel,""Brimstone,""Breakers,""A Mind Forever…

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

While folklore, fairytales, and fantasy vary in definition, they possess the common elements of supernatural beings, strange locales, and imaginative content. Folk tales, originally intended for all ages, were meant to convey lessons about moral behavior and group values; good was rewarded and evil punished. In contemporary literature, high…

Science fiction merits critical appraisal for structure, characterization, language, and stylistic elements that it shares with other prose forms. This report discusses science fiction as a subject in the language arts curriculum in the middle grades as well as in the high school. It is placed in a historical and philosophical framework that makes…

The Quinmester course "The Outer Limits" involves an exploration of unknown worlds, mental and physical, through fiction and nonfiction. Its purpose is to focus attention on the ongoing conquest of the frontiers of the mind, the physical world, and outer space. The subject matter includes identification and investigation of unknown…

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…

Designed to help teachers develop science fiction materials, this guide provides references to useful books, examples of various teaching techniques, motivation techniques, evaluation methods, and a rationale for the importance of science fiction in the secondary curriculum. Using science fiction themes along with special techniques, a teacher can…

Focuses on the uses of science fiction to teach sociology and develop critical and creative thinking. Maintains that in the last 20 years science fiction has become concerned increasingly with social themes. Concludes with a detailed description of the use of "The Handmaid's Tale" in an introductory sociology course. (MJP)