A general semantics perspective of science fiction writer A. E. van Vogt is presented in this paper. The first major section of the paper contains a biographical sketch of van Vogt and traces the influence of A. Korzybski's work on general semantics, "Science and Sanity," on his writing, while the second major section provides an…

This booklet discusses the development of science fiction, tracing its origins to the time of the industrial revolution. Many of the people of this time realized that life was changing and would continue to change, that there were new forces at work in the world, and that humankind should exercise some forethought about the direction in which…

Since science fiction imaginatively explores the future, technology, and the human role in problem solving, it lends itself to the development of a process-oriented curriculum. Students may participate in planning, executing, and evaluating a study of science fiction, while they may learn through process goals to deal intelligently with change--a…

The articles collected in this volume focus on the literary genre science fiction. Part one, "Backgrounds," includes "Starting Points" (Kingsley Amis), "Science Fiction and Literature" (Robert Conquest), and "The Roots of Science Fiction" (Robert Scholes). Part two, "Theory," contains "On the Poetics of the Science Fiction Genre" (Darko Suvin),…

Science fiction today provides the best opportunity to introduce ideas that will get students involved.

Contends that fantasy always includes at least one element of the impossible, one element that goes against the laws of the physical universe as currently understood. Suggests that fantasy can help in learning the most fundamental skill of all--how to be human. (MS)

Describes the use of popular science fiction films in high school and college science courses. Holds that young persons' fascination with science fiction can serve as a takeoff point for serious discussion of principles of physics and biology, in particular. (GC)

Examines Victor Hugo's "Ninety-three," Charles Dickens'"Tale of Two Cities," and Eugene Zamiatin's "We" as examples of romantic satire, considering in each work the quest motif, the oedipal themes, the dystopian vision, and the role of love. (AYC)

Discusses how "The Earthsea Trilogy" by Ursula LeGuin embodies her peculiar vision of awareness of the processes of human maturation in terms derived from the philosophies of Carl Jung and Tao. (HOD)

A course based on the science used in science fiction stories is described wherein the students read the stories and discuss the physics content. A partial list of the books read is included along with the background theme and appropriate references. (DF)

Topic 6, The Rise of Modern Dictators, in a theme issue on Teaching History Through Science Fiction, utilizes a 1962 story to dramatically demonstrate for students how one man can develop in himself the feelings of a dictator. (JB)

Topic 8, Our Contemporary World: Problems and Issues, in a theme issue on Teaching World History Through Science Fiction, presents a story from Startling Stories, published in 1946, to motivate discussion on factors contributing to a generation gap. (JB)

Discusses a number of themes in works by George Orwell, focusing on ways in which the state can crush the individual, as explored by Orwell in "1984." (GC)