552.290 (21S) Topics in British Cultural Studies: A Literature of Ideas - New Themes and Concepts of Contemporary Science Fiction
Overview
For further information regarding teaching on campus, please visit: https://www.aau.at/en/corona.
- Lecturer
- LV Nummer Südostverbund ENM02001UL
- Course title german Topics in British Cultural Studies: A Literature of Ideas - New Themes and Concepts of Contemporary Science Fiction
- Type Proseminar (continuous assessment course )
- Course model Online course
- Hours per Week 2.0
- ECTS credits 3.0
- Registrations 31 (25 max.)
- Organisational unit
- Language of instruction English
- Course begins on 03.03.2021
- eLearning Go to Moodle course
Time and place
Course Information
Intended learning outcomes
By way of hands-on lecture input, student projects and presentations as well as self-directed studying, students will practice and thus acquire critical/cultural thinking skills that will help them develop a critical understanding and appreciation of Sci-Fi-related literary/media texts and its various facets.
Teaching methodology including the use of eLearning tools
Dynamic lecture inputs for theoretical and basic background; close readings of reading assignments; in-class discussions; presentations (topic of student choice)... and much more!
Course content
According to Gilks, Fleming and Allen, Science fiction (Sci-Fi) is a genre of speculative fiction, usually dealing with imaginative concepts such as advanced science and technology, time travel, spaceflight, and extraterrestrial life. Science fiction has come a long way since its early days, when Isaac Asimov defined it as "that branch of literature which is concerned with the impact of scientific advance upon human beings" (Modern Science Fiction, 1953). By the 70s, the genre of science-based ideas had grown; it wasn't just concerned with science, but with consequences. It asked "what if?" What if a world existed in which this or that were true? Pamela Sargent dubbed it "the literature of ideas." Fiction is any story or setting that is derived from imagination—in other words, not based strictly on history or fact. A work of fiction implies the inventive act of world building, so its audience does not typically expect it to be totally faithful to the real world in presenting only characters who are actual people or descriptions that are factually true. Characters and events within a fictional work may even be set in their own context entirely separate from the known universe: an independent fictional universe.
Primarily tackling unique themes and concepts of (science) fiction, drama, film and, at times, other related topics, students are encouraged to learn the basic principles, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of literary texts and more. Specific examples will then highlight the importance of taking a closer look at what makes analyzing science fiction so fascinating.
Carefully chosen examples which make the subject easier to understand and highlight specific themes and concepts: to be announced (in class).
Important: Please check the syllabus on Moodle for further information!
Prior knowledge expected
No prior knowledge required.
Literature
Reading packets will be provided in digital form on a regular basis. There is no need to buy any books.
Examination information
Examination methodology
Active participation in class and at home; presentation; written assignment (term paper/critical reflection)
Examination topic(s)
Active participation, presentation and written assignment: Documentation, analysis and critical reflection.
Presentation and written assignment: Topic of student choice (must be connected to the topics of this course).
For further information, please join the Welcome Session!
Assessment criteria / Standards of assessment for examinations
The written assignment complies with criteria explained during lecture. The final grade is an aggregate (three pillars of assessment):
30% active participation (in class and at home)
40% presentation (of student project)
30% written assignment (term paper/critical reflection)
Grading scheme
Grade / Grade grading schemePosition in the curriculum
- Bachelor-Lehramtsstudium Bachelor Unterrichtsfach Englisch
(SKZ: 407, Version: 17W.2)
-
Subject: Anglophone Cultural History and Theory
(Compulsory subject)
-
ENM.002 Topics in British Cultural Studies (
2.0h PS / 3.0 ECTS)
- 552.290 Topics in British Cultural Studies: A Literature of Ideas - New Themes and Concepts of Contemporary Science Fiction (2.0h PS / 3.0 ECTS) Absolvierung im 4., 5., 6. Semester empfohlen
-
ENM.002 Topics in British Cultural Studies (
2.0h PS / 3.0 ECTS)
-
Subject: Anglophone Cultural History and Theory
(Compulsory subject)
- Bachelor-Lehramtsstudium Bachelor Unterrichtsfach Englisch
(SKZ: 407, Version: 15W.2)
-
Subject: Anglophone Cultural History and Theory
(Compulsory subject)
-
ENM.002 Topics in British Cultural Studies (
2.0h PS / 3.0 ECTS)
- 552.290 Topics in British Cultural Studies: A Literature of Ideas - New Themes and Concepts of Contemporary Science Fiction (2.0h PS / 3.0 ECTS) Absolvierung im 4., 5., 6. Semester empfohlen
-
ENM.002 Topics in British Cultural Studies (
2.0h PS / 3.0 ECTS)
-
Subject: Anglophone Cultural History and Theory
(Compulsory subject)
- Bachelor-Lehramtsstudium Bachelor Unterrichtsfach Englisch
(SKZ: 407, Version: 19W.2)
-
Subject: Anglophone Cultural History and Theory
(Compulsory subject)
-
ENM.002 Topics in British Cultural Studies (
2.0h PS / 3.0 ECTS)
- 552.290 Topics in British Cultural Studies: A Literature of Ideas - New Themes and Concepts of Contemporary Science Fiction (2.0h PS / 3.0 ECTS) Absolvierung im 4., 5., 6. Semester empfohlen
-
ENM.002 Topics in British Cultural Studies (
2.0h PS / 3.0 ECTS)
-
Subject: Anglophone Cultural History and Theory
(Compulsory subject)
- Bachelor's degree programme English and American Studies
(SKZ: 612, Version: 15W.3)
-
Subject: Fachliches Grundstudium Culture
(Compulsory subject)
-
6.1 Topics in British Cultural Studies (
0.0h PS / 3.0 ECTS)
- 552.290 Topics in British Cultural Studies: A Literature of Ideas - New Themes and Concepts of Contemporary Science Fiction (2.0h PS / 3.0 ECTS) Absolvierung im 2. Semester empfohlen
-
6.1 Topics in British Cultural Studies (
0.0h PS / 3.0 ECTS)
-
Subject: Fachliches Grundstudium Culture
(Compulsory subject)