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

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.

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.

Complete the Artificial Intelligence Activity Essay.

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.

Read the following stories along with the introductory material provided:

• "The Road Not Taken"
• "Passengers"

Post to Discussion Forum as assigned.

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.