ENGL 145(S) Reading and Writing Science Fiction (W)

This course will explore some of the themes and techniques of modern science fiction by examining a range of published stories, while at the same time making some new stories of our own. Writers of fiction and non-fiction often watch each other with suspicion, as if from opposing sides of an obvious frontier. Though the goals of both forms of writing--the disciplined articulation of brainy thoughts and mighty feelings--are similar, there is a tendency in both camps to think their methods different and exclusive. The conceit of this class is to imagine that constructing a plot and constructing an argument, say, are complementary skills, and that the tricks and techniques of one type of writing can profitably be applied to the other. With this in mind, the class is made of two strands twisted together--a creative writing workshop and a course in critical analysis. There will be short weekly assignments
in both types of writing, as well as two larger projects: an original science fiction short story and a critical essay. Assigned readings will include stories and essays by Terry Bisson, Octavia Butler, Rachel Pollack, Samuel R. Delaney, Karen Joy Fowler, Carol Emshwiller, and John Crowley.
Format: discussion/seminar. Requirements: active participation in class and a minimum of 20 pages of writing, both critical and creative.
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 19 (expected 19). Preference to first-year students.

Hour: P. Park