1. Seeing is believing…

2. Do you believe in Aliens?
Why or why not?

3. 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

4. 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?

5. 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?

6. 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…

7. Science Fiction
Genre Study

8. 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

9. 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)

10. 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

11. 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
Start at about 6 min – 18 min