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English: Literature at the Edge of the Universe (Elective)

“You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.” Ray Bradbury

OVERVIEW

Students will explore the world and origin of the Science Fiction genre of Literature. They will examine defining features of the genre and how culture and the political climate affects and is reflected in both the structure and content of both cinematic and written texts. With a focus on contemporary television and classic and modern Science Fiction texts students will look at how the genre has changed with time. Students will further examine how Science Fiction storytelling has become a part of popular culture and how authors use this genre to advocate for social justice. Students will be challenged to examine the issues that arise in these texts through a Christian perspective and further develop their faith.  In addition to this, students will focus on authorial intent and how writers use different mediums to convey their point of view and impact their audience.

SUBJECT LENGTH

  • 4 periods a cycle for a whole year

TOPICS INCLUDE

  • Asimov and Beyond: Classic Science Fiction
  • Doctor Who and Social Justice
  • Authorial Intent: The Social and Political Agendas of Science Fiction
  • Contemporary Science Fiction
  • Responding Creatively

PREREQUISITES

  • Booklist items
  • Levy cost

ASSESSMENT

  • Coursework: Classwork, assessments and homework (100%)

“They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving them meaning so that the people could understand what was being read” Nehemiah 8:8