Seeing is believing…

Do you believe in Aliens? Why or why not?

ALIENs have invaded the plat! Last week the three of you were ABDUCTED BY ALIENS…! The FBI needs a report of what has happened In vivid detail you must describe what happened Timeline? Who was there? What did it feel like? Image of the aliens Written in the style of a newspaper front page

Discussion Questions How does perspective affect our understanding/fear of aliens? Often sci-fi ends up feeling campy or silly to us – why can’t we take alien abductions seriously? How does narrative structure either allow us to believe or disbelieve? Are aliens monstrous?

Imagery How can you describe something that we aren’t sure exists and no one has seen…? How do we describe the indescribable? What is dangerous about being too descriptive when writing about monsters? How do our stories affect our beliefs?

Signs 2002 American science fiction thriller Focuses on a former priest who finds crop circles in his cornfield Convinced that they are the result of extraterrestrial life Masterfully put together story, pay attention to the information we are given as well as the information we are not…

Science Fiction Genre Study

What is it? Genre of fiction in which the stories often tell about science and technology of the future It is important to note that science fiction has a relationship with the principles of science—these stories involve partially true, partially fictitious laws or theories of science It should not be completely unbelievable, because it then ventures into the genre fantasy The plot creates situations different from those of both the present day and the known past Science fiction texts also include a human element, explaining what effect new discoveries, happenings and scientific developments will have on us in the future Science fiction texts are often set in the future, in space, on a different world, or in a different universe or dimension

What is the purpose of Science Fiction? A means of understanding the world through speculative storytelling Difficult to define Blurs the line between mythological and historical H.G. Wells, Jules Verne Science fiction has criticized developing and future technologies, but also initiates innovation and new technology Hard SF vs Soft SF Accurate details in natural sciences Based in social sciences (psychology, sociology, anthropology)

Origins of Science Fiction Began as far back as the epic of Gilgamesh (2000 BC), but was popularized by Pulp Magazines in the 20th century Originally more targeted towards scientific education Followed the format of popular adventure stories, grew increasingly less educational Golden age of science fiction: 1930s-1950s Escapism of the 1930s MANY sub-genres

The War of the worlds Originally written by H.G. Wells Screenplay was adapted by Orson Welles Written in 1895, deals with a conflict between alien life and mankind Inspired by invasion literature of the time (i.e. British empire/takeover) Radio broadcast performed Halloween night 1838 Caused mass panic to listeners https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xs0K4ApWl4g Start at about 6 min – 18 min

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzC3Fg_rRJM