Required Texts:
Tolkien, J.R.R. The Hobbit
Donaldson, Stephen R. Lord Foul's Bane
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein
Piercy, Marge. Woman on the Edge of Time
Butler, Octavia. Wild Seed
Le Guin, Ursula. The Left Hand of Darkness
Card, Orson Scott. Ender's Game
Crichton, Michael. Jurassic Park
Course Packet

Other Materials: a folder for your journal. Notebooks and sheafs of paper will not be accepted.

Course Description: In this course we will be examining science fiction and fantasy literature in order to gain an appreciation of the two genres. Course objectives include the consideration of: definitions; types; the uses of science fiction for entertainment, prediction, and social commentary; narrative devices of characterization, plot, and theme; and critical standards and literary values,. We may not discuss all of these aspects in each book. These objectives will be met through class discussion and assignments.

Course Requirements:
Attendance: After three absences, your grade will begin to drop for each day missed. Perpetual tardiness will not be tolerated. The following assignments are mandatory: The final or the mid-term exam must be taken.
Choose from the following assignments which requirements will be met for a total of 100% (including one exam):
Class Discussion: 20%
Reading Journal: 20%
Mid-Term Exam: 20%
Final Exam: 20%
Short stories: 20% each
Research Paper: 40%
(up to 2 may be submitted for grade)

Conference Participation dealing with SF and F (either presenting a paper or doing a short write-up on panels attended) is worth 5 points toward the final grade.

Any quizzes given may be unannounced and will go towards class discussion grade.

Reading Journal: This is your opportunity to explore your perceptions about the texts after reading them. Your writing should be complete prior to class in order to enhance class discussion. Ask yourself hard questions and you'll be pleasantly surprised with what you discover. These entries should not be: a) plot summaries or b) a transcription of class notes. I reserve the right to ask for journals at any time, even though specific turn in dates are scheduled on the following syllabus. The final journal should be 30 pages, typed, and double-spaced with 1" margins.

Description of Paper: This paper is a major research project, involving an exercise in applied science fiction and fantasy: you are to select a particular present or near-future problem/opportunity in public policy (discussing how the problem is defined as well), analyze possible solutions to it offered in relevant SF and F texts used in class, and compare these solutions to any speculation and proposals being offered in nonfiction. Foreign relations, nuclear war, racism, sexism, homophobia, scientific responsibility, genocide, eugenics, are only some of the possible avenues to be explored. Any deviations from the assignment as given must be cleared with the instructor.
Your paper should be typed, double-spaced, and have 1" margins. Please honor the due dates of first and final versions. Late papers will be marked down one letter grade for each day late, unless an extension has been granted prior to the due date by the instructor.

Short Stories: I welcome the opportunity to read stories that you have written in the field of science fiction or fantasy. These stories should be presented in the same manner as research papers and should be 4-6 pages long at least. You should follow conventions discussed in class, such as appropriate pacing, originality, credibility, etcetera.

Conferences: You will have at least one mandatory conference with me during the semester. Please bring a specific piece of work to discuss or any questions you might have. The student is responsible for setting up and keeping appointments. Failure to show up for a conference will be considered an unexcused absence. Please take advantage of my office hours or arrange an appointment with me whenever you have any concerns about the class or your work.

Schedule of Assignments: (subject to change at the discretion of the instructor)
Assigned reading must be finished and ready to be discussed at the beginning of class.

Week One: Writing sample and introduction

Week Two: Myths and Fairytales -- read packet assignment (Grimm's Twelve Dancing Princesses, Ash Maiden, et al)

Week Three: Sexton, from Transformations

Week Four: The Hobbit
Reading Journal Due Thursday (8 pp)

Week Five: Lord Foul's Bane

Week Six: The Left Hand of Darkness

Week Seven: Woman on the Edge of Time
Short Story Due

Week Eight: Tuesday: Conferences
Mid-Term Exam

Week Nine: Wild Seed
Reading Journal Due (18 pp)

Week Ten: "Rappaccini's Daughter," by Nathaniel Hawthorne; Frankenstein

Week Eleven: Jurassic Park
Reading Journal Due (27 pp)

Week Twelve: Conferences

Week Thirteen: Ender's Game
Short Story Due

Week Fourteen: Cyberpunk reading
Reading Journal Due (30 pp)

Week Fifteen: Paper Due

Week Sixteen: Exams

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