Space Exploration and Alien Encounters

First Contact a common science fiction theme about the first meeting between humans and alien life Explores themes of xenophobia (fear of people or creatures who are unlike one’s self) What happens when two civilizations meet? Two worlds?

Common Themes Classic Hero story with some non-human characters. The human is almost always the hero. Why? Space Westerns: “cowboys and Indians” becomes “humans and aliens” Imperialism: humans (or earthlings) need to help aliens (usually to become more human)

Monsters vs. Aliens Questions How is Susan transformed into Ginormica (what event happens)? Is she initially happy about the change? How does this fit with xenophobia? Who are the 4 other monsters? How were they created/ how were they transformed? Who is Gallaxar? Why is he on Earth? Is he a hero, anti-hero, or a villain? Explain how average humans feel about monsters and how those feelings change during the film. Why do their feelings change? The hero(s) of the story are from what planet? Does this fit with the common themes?

Galaxy Quest Questions Using 3-4 Sentences, describe the first contact between Jason and the Thermians. Does the Thermian way of life reflect imperialism? Why or why not? Does Guy’s reaction to Larali and Fred’s relationship reflect xenophobia? Explain your answer. How does Serus’ behavior reflect imperialism? Explain your answer. The heroes are not all earthlings. Explain how you feel about this.

Star Trek Assignment In Star Trek many of the characters are non-human alien species. Despite this, there does not appear to be any hatred based on race or species (i.e. the characters are not xenophobic of one another). Write 1 paragraph describing why you think the characters in Star Trek are not xenophobic of each other. Use at least 1 specific example from the film.

Good Boy Questions Who is Hubble? Why is he on Earth? How are Owen and Hubble able to communicate? At first, are the dogs xenophobic of Hubble? Describe how you know that they are or aren’t. Describe Connie’s reaction to Hubble being able to leap through the air. Do you think this is an example of xenophobia? Why or why not? Hubble works with the dogs to change how they behave. Is this imperialism? Why or why not?

Planet 51 Assignment Irony is when there is a big difference between what actually happens and what might be expected to happen. In Planet 51, Captain Charles “Chuck” Baker is an astronaut who lands on an alien planet. The citizens of this planet are very xenophobic of Chuck Baker. Write a paragraph describing the citizens’ xenophobia and then explaining how their xenophobia is an example of irony.