Professor Robert Goldberg
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EGL 2430-DL01 (46728) (Online)
Survey of Science Fiction Literature
Course Home Page

Welcome to Survey of Science Fiction Literature!
This course will be taught ONLINE!

NOTE: The semester will officially begin on January 23!

I'm Prof. Goldberg, and I will be your guide through the vast realm of science fiction (SF) literature during the spring 2012 semester.

I look forward to meeting everyone in virtual space, and to discussing a wide variety of science fiction literature, including alien encounters, time travel, and a host of "what if" (or speculative) scenarios. We will contemplate the history of science fiction, and look to its future through such genres as cyberpunk and hard SF! So, grab your tricorders and step onto the transporter pads, and let's embark on a great adventure!

To help you get started, I have posted some basic course information and a partial (and anticipated, though subject to change) reading/viewing list. If you would like more information about the course, email me (preferable) at goldberj@pgcc.edu, or call me at 301-322-0566. Click on the links below to review the information.

Course Information Partial Reading and Viewing List
Welcome Letter Blackboard Information
Class Calendar
(also located in Blackboard)
Grading and Attendance Information

Basic Information

This course will meet online via Blackboard. You will be graded for weekly participation and attendance through weekly Discussion Boards. All assignments, quizzes, and exams will be completed and submitted in Blackboard.

In this course, we will discuss a variety of science fiction literature (and perhaps some fantasy), dealing with time travel, space exploration, extraterrestrials, and much more. We will explore the historical and literary impact of the literature, as well. In addition to reading quizzes, a midterm, and a final exam, you will write journal entries and two essays: a short essay and a longer research-supported essay. As an option, the research essay could be replaced by a creative project, such as writing a short science fiction story (this option must meet my approval).

* I will consider honors contracts for this course.


This is just a partial list of the short stories and novels we will read and discuss "in class." Review the Class Calendar for the complete list of readings and videos, along with their due dates. I will have some video clips or YouTube links available on Blackboard, and I will recommend certain movies. Clips listed in the syllabus will be on quizzes. See the Class Calendar for specific due dates of reading and viewing assignments.

Required Reading (Partial List) Movies/Videos
(Short clips will be available via Blackboard and YouTube)
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Philip K. Dick Star Trek: The Next Generation: “Darmok”
“Comes Now the Power,” Roger  Zelazny The Time Machine (excerpts)

“Day Million,” Frederik Pohl

Forbidden Planet (excerpts)
“Over the River and Through the Woods,” Clifford Simak AI: Artificial Intelligence (excerpts)
Neuromancer, William Gibson (the father of Cyberpunk!) The Matrix or
Johnny Mnemonic
(excerpts)
“Good News from the Vatican,” Robert Silverberg Star Trek: Voyager: “Heroes and Demons”

 


Blackboard Information

Prior to the beginning of the spring 2012 semester, on or about January 19, registered students will be able to access course information via Blackboard. If you have questions about the course prior to that, contact me via e-mail, at goldberj@pgcc.edu, or by telephone, at 301-322-0566.

NOTE:
Use your Owl Link user name and password to log into Blackboard.

Login To Blackboard



Site Updated
12/07/2011