Overview

'Alternative Worlds: Sci Fi, Young Adult and Speculative Fiction' investigates the genres of science fiction, Young Adult and Speculative Fiction, and their influence in contemporary culture. The module considers how alternative worlds emerge from, and offer imaginative insight into, present-day concerns including anxiety about the future, the transition from teenager to young adult, mental health, technology, environmental crisis, social and political change. It investigates ways in which these genres offer us everything from escapism and reactionary politics on the one extreme, right through to hope, acceptance of difference, and the prospect of radical change on the other. The module will begin by focusing on science fiction before exploring the blurred edges of this genre, especially in relation to contemporary Young Adult and speculative fictions, and concluding with a look at ultra-contemporary fantastic trends (such as bio-punk and eco-apocalyse). The module will also offer the opportunity to watch and study some great films in these genres.

The module's syllabus will be updated each year, but students can expect some of the following themes:

• differences, similarities and trajectories between and within the genres of science fiction, Young Adult and speculative fiction
• uses of alternative worlds
• future anxiety
• transition to young adulthood
• gender
• mental health -technology and the posthuman
• environmental crisis
• social and political breakdown
• radical change

Typical authors may include: H.G. Wells, Philip K. Dick, Margaret Atwood, Octavia Butler, Ursula K. Le Guin, Michael Faber, Veronica Roth and Suzanne Collins.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Typically, work graded D- to D+ (or 40 to 49) will show many of the following qualities:• Unsure and lacking in confidence when discussing ideas• Referring to the subject in question in a superficial manner• Making an effort to provide fairly balanced answers • Some points in the argument irrelevant to the topic • Little evidence of background reading • Some uncertainty over language and syntax • Strengths and weaknesses fairly balanced; occasionally clumsy and unimaginative -good -Typically, work graded B- to B+ (or 60 to 69) will show many of the following qualities:• Discusses ideas adeptly • Most of the arguments about a specific field are well-aired • Displays knowledge of the subject in question; the answer is relevant • Shows analytical and clear thought • Gives evidence of relevant reading • Shows accuracy in expression with mastery over language.• A few minor errors here and there.• Signs of creative thought deserve a higher position within the class • In creative work: shows signs of originality, having understood the requirements of the medium • Plans of well-balanced and full answers, despite some gaps -excellent -Typically, work graded A- to A** (or 70 to 100) will show many of the following qualities:• Discusses ideas with confidence and precision• Demonstrates maturity and sophistication • Displays deep knowledge of the subject in question; the answer is totally relevant • Shows independent, analytical and clear thought • Gives evidence of substantial and relevant reading • Shows great accuracy in expression, displaying total mastery over all aspects of the language • Shows occasional signs of brilliance and originality of thought • In creative work: displays considerable originality • Command over medium; may have potential for publication/production -another level-Typically, work graded C- to C+ (or 50 to 59) will show many of the following qualities:• Discusses ideas, but without much confidence • A respectable effort but not showing any unusual talent; a few flashes of originality here and there • Makes reference to the subject in question, but some important matters not mentioned • Fairly clear thought on most occasions, and the arguments relevant on the whole • Evidence of having read some works associated with the field in question • Quite accurate expression, though the points may sometimes be presented clumsily • Signs of conscientious work deserve a higher position within the class • In creative work: not having quite mastered the requirements of the medium • Evidence of planning in the answers, but a lack of coherence at times; undisciplined and unsure at times

Learning Outcomes

• Describe and critically analyse the principal genres employed within the field of speculative fiction (with a focus on sci-fi, Young Adult, speculative fiction)

• Evaluate the relationship between 'alternative world' texts and their historic contexts, and critically discuss these texts in relation to some of the contemporary period’s key cultural issues.

• Identify and analyse the literary strategies employed to address key themes in contemporary sci-fi, Young Adult and speculative fiction.

• Identify and apply appropriate critical and historic material to support critical analysis of literary texts.

• Reflect critically on the affordances of literary form and genre.