English 256, LIterature of Science Fiction, offered online through the Extended Learning Institute of Northern Virginia Community College, is intended to introduce the student to the ideas, themes, characteristics, and trends of science fiction as a genre of literature from its beginnings to the present time.

I hope that because of this course those of you who already enjoy science fiction will have a deeper understanding of where that enjoyment comes from and those of you unfamiliar with science fiction will understand why science fiction is so popular with so many people.

This course has a prerequisite, English 112, College Composition II, or any college composition class which teaches students critical reading and how to write about literature.