Science Fiction
Science Fiction is that class of prose narrative treating of a situation that could not arise in the world we know, but which is hypothesized on the basis of some innovation in science or technology, or pseudo-technology, whether human or extra-terresial in origin. -- New Maps Of Hell (London, 1960)
Fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of fiction that commonly uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a primary element of plot, theme, or
setting. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic is common.
setting. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic is common.
Common Misconceptions and Myths
Science Fiction and Fantasy was for far too many years "that awful trash that will destroy your mind" and it was looked on for a long time in the mainstream as not worthy of study in the classroom. Why teach something that has no connection to the real world, and is not even close to “reality? It contained controversial topics and ideas and themes that many conservative (or not) parents would not allow their children to read. Science Fiction and Fantasy novels are also often regarded as only
books to be read for pleasure or entertainment. These views help prevent sci fy/ fantasy novels from entering the classroom.
books to be read for pleasure or entertainment. These views help prevent sci fy/ fantasy novels from entering the classroom.
How to Respond
When you may have a book with questionable content, send out a permission slip to "Ok" it with the student's guardians. Apart from the "classics," these novels in this genre are more current and relevant to the world today. They teach lessons warning from the beginning of the destructive habits that we are facing as a civilization today. They incorporate characters that instead of using
classical literature to teach the "hero" would teach a more interesting/current version of the same lesson. The genre holds a very
high interest with the students, and when taught correctly, it also holds great literary value.
classical literature to teach the "hero" would teach a more interesting/current version of the same lesson. The genre holds a very
high interest with the students, and when taught correctly, it also holds great literary value.
Benefits to teaching Sci Fy/Fantasy in the Classroom
- Holds the interest of the students, more engaging content
- Allows for more current problem/solution skills
- Uses many concepts that are familiar today (technology, medicine, “fantasy worlds”)
- Allows for higher problem solving cognitive abilities
- Presents problems in new and fresh ways.
- Creative writing can be easier to achieve using these genres, the “imagination worlds” of the science fiction and fantasy novels can provoke more creativity and ideas in the students.
- Many science fiction stories are based on historical events or sociological issues.
- Shows main themes presented in society today: Our actions today influence time. Technology will either save society or bring about its downfall… ect.
Resources
Examples for High School and Middle School
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
- The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
- Card Ender's Game by Orson Scott
- Unwind by Neil Shustermann
- Feed by M.T. Andersen
- The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
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