1. Introduction to Childhood’s End Myth to Science Fiction November 12, 2008

2. About Arthur C. Clarke (Dec.16 1917-March 19, 2008) UK writer (sci-fi) Joined the British Interplanetary Society. RAF officer during World War II (inventor of communication satellite) A member of several scientific organizations

3. More about the author Eldest of 4 children Age 13 constructed his first telescope. Age 14, father died. 1948-King’s College, London with honors. 1956-stayed in Sri Lanka Won many awards for his science fiction. Died of post-polio syndrome.

4. About the novel Printed in over 30 languages Begins with the fear that the Russians and the Americans may use their atomic rockets on each other. Central Themes: -“Spiritual” rebirth and the search for man’s place in the universe. -Question the meaning of life. -Question religion and science -Question about knowledge, technology, and power. -Utopian Society

5. The Culture of 1950’s Entertainment:  TV: 1956 studies show that kids ages 10-16 watched television; average of 6 hours a day. “I Love Lucy,” “Lassie,” “Mickey Mouse Club,” etc  Music: Rock and Roll. Young vs. Old. Elvis Presley

6. 1950’s Technology Television First copy machine 1954 Bell Telephone produce solar battery 1957 Sputnik 1 4 months later U.S launch a smaller satellite

7. Civil Rights African Americans were not treated fairly  Schools were dirty and had little supplies.  1954- segregation was abolished.

8. The Cold War & Korean War The Cold War  After WWII: diplomatic struggle and mutual suspicion between the U.S. and a group of nations led by the Soviet Union.  U.S fear of Communism The Korean War  By-product of the Cold War  1950-Communist N. Korea invaded S. Korea; President Truman sent the American military into action.

9. Upcoming Projects (due Week 12) 1950’s technology Disneyland Area 51 String theory Racial memory Space program UFO’s Sci-fi movie craze

10. Quiz Time! 1. Who was the RAF officer during World War II? 2. How did the author died? And when? 3. Childhood’s End was printed over ___ languages. 4. Name at least 2 of the central themes in the novel. 5. During the 1950s, kids watched TV on an average of how many hours a day? 6. When Sputnik was built, how much did it weigh? 7. True or False: Right after segregation was abolished, everybody was treated fairly during the 1950s. 8. What is the Cold War? 9. Who was Joseph Stalin? 10. When is your projects due?

11. Answers 1. Arthur C. Clarke 2. Died of post-polio syndrome; March 19 2008. 3. Printed over 60 languages. 4. -Spiritual” rebirth -meaning of life. -religion and science -knowledge, technology, and power. -Utopian Society 5. They watched an average of 6 hours a day. 6. Sputnik weighed 184 pounds. 7. False 8. Cold War: state of conflict between the US and the USSR. 9. Ruler of the USSR. 10. Project due on Week 12 (Wednesday)

12. References: Liukkonen, Petri, and Ari Pesonen. “Arthur Charles Clarke”. Books and Writers. 2003. 10 Nov. 2008. “1950’s.” A Century in Review. Nov. 1999. 10 Nov. 2008..