Offered
Not offered in 2008
Synopsis
This unit will introduce students to contemporary discussion and debate about science fiction. It will examine:
- Various theoretical approaches to the analysis of science fiction.
- The historical development of the genre from the gothic through to Cyberpunk.
- The debates over the genre's social role, whether as a source for the stabilisation or for the subversion of social norms.
- A number of key science fiction texts, drawn from the novel, film and television.
Assessment
Essay (2500 words): 50%
Examination (2 hours): 50%
Third year students will be expected to demonstrate a clear grasp of current approaches to literary criticism
Contact hours
2 hours (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week
