“Science fiction is no more written for scientists that ghost stories are written for ghosts.”

Brian Aldiss

SCIENCE FICTION

HOW TO TAKE NOTES FOR THIS INFORMATION

• Cornell-style (see right)

• Some direct transcription (writing exactly what is on the slide)

• Some interpretation and conceptualizing (you filter the information and write down the ideas)

• If it’s in YELLOW, write it down exactly.

• If you see this, interpret the concepts.

WHAT IS SCIENCE FICTION?

• Science fiction is a writing style which combines science and fiction.

• It is only limited by what we presently know about the basic physical laws of nature.

• It evolved as a response to fantasy.

SCIENCE FICTION VS. FANTASY

• Rod Serling – of Twilight Zone fame – said: “Fantasy is the impossible made probable. Science fiction is the improbable made possible”.

• In Science Fiction, there needs to be some possibility that the events could possibly happen.

• In Fantasy, the author can use far-fetched assumptions. ie; unicorns, three-legged creatures etc.

SCI FI AUTHOR’S DEFINITIONS

• The author Theodore Sturgeon said,

• "'A good science-fiction story is a story about human beings, with a human problem, and a human solution, which would not have happened at all without its science content'"

SCIENCE FICTION: THE NOVEL

• The first true science fiction novel was Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.

• Frankenstein was the first novel in English to deal with the possibility that science can create a monster that can destroy science and possibly mankind.

• Mary Shelley did not wish the story to be considered "supernatural“. She made the main character a scientist and his scientific efforts were highlighted

WHAT IS EXTRAPOLATION?

• Extrapolation is when a writer takes fact and imagines what might happen if events or circumstances evolve.

• For example:

• Man can build rockets

• Man knows black holes exist

• Man can build space stations

• Let’s imagine man builds a machine that travels through black holes to establish alternative worlds in different time continuums.

Fact

Fiction

YOUR TURN

• Humans have mapped our genetic code

• Humans know that mammals have language – some have very sophisticated systems of communication

• Humans have the capacity to clone

• ???

Fact

Fiction

SCIENCE FICTION: FILM

• How would you define the science fiction film genre?

EXAMPLES OF SCIENCE FICTION FILMS FROM THE 2000S

YouTube - science fiction from the 2000s

MAJOR THEMES IN SCIENCE FICTION

• Space travel to and from other planets (ie: Star Wars, Star Trek)

• Time travel to the past and future (ie: Back to the Future)

• Psychological/biological changes to humans brought about by scientific changes

(ie: The Incredible Hulk, Spider Man)

MAJOR THEMES IN SCIENCE FICTION (CONTINUED)

• Supernormal powers/talents

• (ie: Superman, Spiderman, Batman)

• Science for constructive or destructive purposes

• (ie: Weird Science, Frankenstein)

• Battle with alien life forms

• (ie: Signs, The Day the Earth Stood Still, District 9)

• Alternate Universe

• (ie: Star Wars)

• The Last Man/Woman on Earth

• The Robot

• The First Landing Story

• Time Travel

• The Alternate World

• An alien’s perspective

• Artificial Intelligence

• The Lost Civilization

• The Alien Encounter

• The Colonization of a New Planet

• The End of the World

• The Long Spaceship Voyage

• The Computer

PLOT CONVENTIONS OF SCIENCE FICTION

SCI FI MOVIES TODAY

• What are some famous science fiction movies in this decade?

WHY SHOULD WE STUDY SCIENCE FICTION?

• Entertaining

• Makes the audience wonder “What If?”

• Encourages creativity in writing and role-playing

• Introduces students to a new genre

• Teaches lessons about the value and dangers of advanced technology

• Enhances imagination

• Answers essential question: we can, but should we?

• Select a non-science fiction film from the list right (or your own idea).

• Change the setting, plot, characters, conflict to turn the film into a science fiction story.

• Work alone or in groups.

• Create an idea for our wall.

• Shrek (any)

• Frozen

• Despicable Me 2

• Alice in Wonderland (2010)

• Up

• Home Alone

• How the Grinch Stole Christmas

• The LEGO Movie

• Despicable Me

• Night at the Museum

• Frozen

• Happy Feet

• High School Musical

• National Treasure (any)

• The Italian Job

YOUR TURN…