Quick Calendar
Eng 256 : Literature of Science Fiction
Northern Virginia Community College, Extended Learning Institute
Dr. Agatha Taormina

Note: This calendar is only a general guide to the course work.

For detailed descriptions of assignments, tasks, and links to reading and writing assignments, go to the Calendar of Activities.

Week 1

Course Introduction.
Read Course Documents.
Email instructor
Post Introduction to Discussion Forum

Unit 1: Introduction to Science Fiction?

Read the following material from the SciFi Guide:

  • What Is Science Fiction?
  • History of Science Fiction
    • Prehistory
    • Pioneers and Kissing Cousins
Week 2

Prepare for and take Exam #1.

Unit 2: The Mad Scientist

Read the following material from the SciFi Guide:

  • History of Science Fiction
    • the Age of Wells and Burroughs

Start Frankenstein. Post to Discussion Forum as assigned.

Note: You must complete the following three assignments:

  • your introductory email to the instructor
  • your introductory posting to the Blackboard
  • Exam #1

before the last date to withdraw without grade penalty. I will withdraw all students who have not completed the above three assignments by that date.

Week 3

Finish Frankenstein and post to Discussion Forum as assigned.

Read the following stories along with the introductory material provided in the SciFi Guide:

  • "Microcosmic God"
  • "Sandkings"

Post to Discussion Forum as assigned.

Week 4

Complete the Mad Scientist Activity Essay.

Week 5

Unit 3: Hard Science Fiction

Read the following material from the SciFi Guide:

  • History of Science Fiction
    • The Early Modern Age
    • The Golden Age
  • Science Fiction: Science and Scientists

Read the following stories along with the introductory material provided in the SciFi Guide:

  • "Nightfall"
  • "The Cold Equations"

Post to Discussion Forum as assigned.

Week 6

Complete the Hard SF Activity Essay.

Week 7

Unit 4: Artificial Intelligence

Read the following material from the SciFi Guide:

  • History of Science Fiction
    • the Post War Era
    • The Modern Age
  • Artificial Intelligence

Read the following stories along with the introductory material provided:

  • "The Machine Stops"
  • "The Nine Billion Names of God"
  • "I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream"

Post to Discussion Forum as assigned.

Week 8

Read the following stories along with the introductory material provided:

  • "Robbie"
  • "Robot Dreams "
  • "Who Can Replace a Man?"

Post to Discussion Forum as assigned.

NOTE: To qualify for an Incomplete and a 16-week extension of enrollment, you must complete all assignments through Week 8.

You must request the Incomplete from me in writing before your official end of enrollment date.

Week 9

Complete the Artificial Intelligence Activity Essay.

Week 10

Unit 5: Alien Encounters

Read the following material from the SciFi Guide:

  • Alien Encounters

Read the following stories along with the introductory material provided:

  • "A Martian Odyssey"
  • "Out of All Them Bright Stars"
  • "Face Value"

Post to Discussion Forum as assigned.

Week 11

Read the following stories along with the introductory material provided:

  • "The Road Not Taken"
  • "Passengers"

Post to Discussion Forum as assigned.

Week 12 Complete Alien Encounters Activity Essay.
Week 13

Unit 6: Alternate Realities

Read the following material from the SciFi Guide:

  • History of Science Fiction
    • the New Wave and Its Aftermath
  • Time Travel
  • Genetic Manipulation

Read the following stories along with the introductory material provided:

  • "All You Zombies--"
  • "Mimsy Were the Borogoves"
  • "Kyrie"

Post to Discussion Forum as assigned.

Week 14

Read the following stories along with the introductory material provided:

  • "Flowers for Algernon"
  • "Nine Lives "

Post to Discussion Forum as assigned.

Week 15

Complete the Alternate Realities Activity Essay.

Week 16

Unit 7: Science Fiction and Popular Culture

For extra credit post a review of a recent work of science fiction as described in the Assignment menu.

Prepare for and take Exam #2.

 

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Eng 256: Literature of Science Fiction
© 2002 Agatha Taormina
Last Revised: September 26, 2006