Exploring a Genre: Science Fiction What does it mean to be HUMAN? Exploring a Genre: Science Fiction

Defining Science Fiction Fiction based on imagined future with scientific or technological advances, and major social or environmental changes, frequently portraying space or time travel, and life on other planets. Fiction dealing principally with the impact of actual or imagined science on society (or individuals), usually having a scientific factor as an essential orienting component of the story.

Characteristics of the Genre Science fiction is often based on scientific principles and technology. Science fiction may make predictions about life in the future. Science fiction often deals with aliens or with life from other worlds (‘the other’). Science fiction can comment on important issues in society.

Science Fiction Settings In the future In space In a different world In a different universe or dimension

Why Read Science Fiction? Science fiction allows authors to comment on contemporary issues (scientific and social). It gives authors subversive power to explore potential futures to warn or inspire readers.

Topics Addressed in Science Fiction: Overpopulation/Dystopian Futures (Controlled Societies) Humans’ Over-Reliance on Technology A Loss of Identity/Individuality due to Science/Tech Acceptance of the ‘Other’ (Aliens) Unfair Wealth Distribution and Other Societal Injustices Technological Advancements like Artificial Intelligence Humans versus Machines

The History of Science Fiction Texts Brian Aldiss has argued that Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1823) was the first work of science fiction. Although many critics consider H. G. Wells (author of The Time Machine in 1885 and The War of the Worlds in 1897) one of science fiction's most important authors. Brian Aldiss called him “the Shakespeare of science fiction”.

Examples of Science Fiction Texts 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea by Jules Verne 1984 by George Orwell Brave New World by Aldous Huxley Isaac Asimov, author of the Foundation trilogy Arthur C. Clarke famous for 2001, a Space Odyssey Ray Bradbury, most well-known for his Martian Chronicles Robert Heinlein, author of Stranger in a Strange Land and The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

“Hard” Science Fiction Defined: “Soft” Science Fiction Defined: Deals with scientific exploration and technology (Often set in the future) Example: Artificial intelligence, alternate realities, time travel (“The Matrix”) “Soft” Science Fiction Defined: Deals with societal exploration (Time period is often ambiguous) Example: Dystopian dictatorships (“1984”)

Subgenres of Science Fiction Post- Apocalyptic (Relating to a time following a nuclear war or other catastrophic event) Cyberpunk (Set in a lawless subculture of an oppressive society that is dominated by computer technology) Space Colonization (Space “humanization”/habitation, the permanent, self-sufficient human habitation on a planet other than Earth) The Alien (Fear of the unknown, scientific experiments, alien invasion, and aliens as enemies to humans) 10

Character Archetypes Translated into Science Fiction Damsel in Distress -> Alien in Distress Exotic Female -> Alien Female Foreign Country Threat -> Alien Threat Corrupt Authority Figure -> Alien/Robot Authority Cowboy -> Captain of a Spaceship Pirate -> Space Looters Science fiction takes the tropes, symbols, and character archetypes of other genres, and sets them in the future. You can see the similarities between these classic characters and science fiction alternatives.

Film Example of Science Fiction: “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” (1982) 12

Film Example of Science Fiction: “Blade Runner” (1982) 13

Film Example of Science Fiction: “The Matrix” (1999) 14

Film Example of Science Fiction: “A.I. Artificial Intelligence” (2001) 15

A Sample of Orson Welles’ 1938 Radio Broadcast of H. G A Sample of Orson Welles’ 1938 Radio Broadcast of H.G. Wells’ “The War of the Worlds” 16

“War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast” (1938) 17

A Modernization of “The War of the Worlds” = M. Night Shyamalan’s “Signs” (2002) 18

A Real Example of Artificial Intelligence: Meet Sophia, The Humanoid Robot Reactions? 19

Another Real Example... Reactions? 20

And Another... Reactions? 21

Last One... Reactions? 22

Connections to Brian Aldiss’ Story? Science fiction texts include a HUMAN element, explaining what effect new discoveries, happenings and scientific developments will have on us in the future. Connections to Brian Aldiss’ Story?