An undergraduate "Anthropology Through Science Fiction" honors course is described. Participation in the course was by invitation only and included both anthropology and non-anthropology majors. By using science fiction, non-anthropology students quickly became familiar with weekly topics and anthropology majors found the readings a new way to…

Intended for teachers of preschool through sixth grade children, librarians, parents, educational media specialists, and students of children's literature, this bibliography contains annotations of 2,500 recommended books for children. The annotations, listed in alphabetical order by author, are divided into several categories, including the…

The major prerequisite to studying science fiction as literature is determining the criteria by which it is to be evaluated. A middle ground which recognizes both literary merit and the genre's uniqueness (scientific orientation, dominancy of idea, and interest of speculation) proves to be the most workable approach and stresses the versatility…

The major function of science fiction writers is to describe the nature of and to find resolutions for the role conflicts which confront their social group as it moves into the future. Most science fiction performs what is best described as a "magical" function. The conscious exploration of the meaning of various social roles is seldom attempted;…

Even the best university students reject serious modern literature in favor of science fiction and other popular fictions that present favorable, heroic versions of mankind. (JH)

College teachers of history can use science fiction to help students understand historical concepts. A seminar at the University of Tulsa used futuristic literature to provide a broader perspective on the present and the past. Available from: Loren E. Pennington, Division of Social Sciences, Emporia State University, 1200 Commercial, Emporia,…

Historical concepts can be taught through analysis of science fiction. Offers a class outline with science fiction resources to examine the boundaries of historical inquiry; six themes for student investigation based on specific resources; and a bibliography of 44 additional anthologies and books. (AV)

Describes the use of science fiction in teaching about the effects of science and technology on human interaction. Questins appropriate for social studies class discussion and tips to teachers on preparing science fiction stories are included. (Author/DB)

Describes technological images presented to children through television, movies, and science fiction, and explores the possible effects of these images on meanings derived by young readers. The use of speculative fiction to explore personal and social values is discussed. (Five references) (CLB)

Reviews seven assorted books for an older audience. The topics include archaeology, fantastic literature, and suspense. (CRH)

Describes how Bradbury's work can be used in the classroom. Indicates how attitudes towards technology can be found in the work and how these may be used to stimulate mature students. (CRH)

According to renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, "science fiction is useful both for stimulating the imagination and for diffusing fear of the future." Indeed, several studies suggest that using science fiction movies as a teaching aid can improve both motivation and achievement. However, if a movie's plot crosses the line between good…

The end of the world, or civilization, is probably one of humankind's most horrifying fears. The apocalypse has been explored by many writers, and the decision to include this type of literature in a curriculum depends on how the situation is presented and resolved. The work should offer some solution and hope. Two recent works of apocalyptic…

This booklet presents a book list, activities, and teacher resources to provide teachers a starting place for works of adolescent literature that will initiate conversations and questions about gender roles and the perceptions of appropriate behavior and activities. It is designed to bring teachers' attention to more recent titles in order to…

Using supernatural events as motivation, suggests activities for discussion, story telling, and writing. (TO)