Overview Objective Materials grading Exam ELI Policies and Procedures Contacting the Instructor Beginning the Course
ENG 256: Honors Literature of Science Fiction - 3 Credits
Instructor: Agatha Taormina

Overview

This course is intended to introduce the student to the ideas, themes, characteristics, and trends of science fiction as a genre of literature from its beginnings to the present time. The purpose of this course is to understand and appreciate how science fiction reflects the social/historical period in which it was written.

In this honors version of the course you will be asked to focus on the similarities and differences among the ways that various common science fiction motifs are presented in a number of short stories and at least one novel.
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Objectives

If you do well in this course, you will be able to:

  • Define the nature of science fiction as literature.

  • Differentiate between science fiction and other literature of the fantastic.

  • Apply a formal definition of science fiction to a variety of artistic works of popular culture.

  • Identify plot, character, point of view, setting, and theme in a number of works of science fiction.

  • Identify techniques used in science fiction to convey information about imaginary places and people.

  • Explore the concept of extrapolation as it relates to science fiction literature.

  • Describe, explain, compare, and analyze the development of common science fiction themes in a variety of works.
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Materials

The required textbooks for this course is:

  • Shelley, Frankenstein
  • Le Guin and Attebery, eds. The Norton Book of Science Fiction
  • Silverberg, ed. The Science Fiction Hall of Fame, Volume I

Consult the Fiction List Page on the Course site for information on how to find a free online version of Frankenstein and for the complete list of the assigned stories.

For information on how to order your textbooks, go to http://eli.nvcc.edu/books/

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Grading

 

Your course grade will be determined by the following points:

Assignments
Points
Exam 1
100
Postings to Frankenstein Froum
25

Posting to Frankenstein's Followers Forum

75
Posting on Extrapolation to Honors Topics Forum
45
Posting on Artificial Intelligence to Honors Topics Forum
30
Posting on Alien Encounters to Honors Topics Forum
75
Posting on the Nature of Time to Honors Topics Forum
45
Posting on Alternate Realities to Honors Posting Forum
30
Posting on Genes to Honors Topics Forum
30
Posting on Gender to Honors Topics Forum 45
Essay: Overview of a free choice science fiction motif
150
Essay analyzing and comparing at least one novel and 3-5 short stories that make use of your chosen motif 150
An annotated bibliography of short stories and novels that deal with your chosen motif 100
Exam #2
100
Total:
1000


Grading Scale
Points
A
900-1000
B
800-899
C
700-799
D
600-699
F
Less than 600
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Exams

There are 2 exams in this course. You are expected to take your examinations at one of the NVCC campus Testing Centers. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your exam before the Testing Center closes; Testing Centers have specific policies relating to the administration of ELI exams. You will need to take a photo ID, your NovaConnect empl ID number, and the appropriate Exam Pass when you go to the Testing Center.  

For Testing Center locations, hours of operation and policies, click here.

For information on taking exams outside of the metropolitan area, click here.

 
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ELI Policies and Procedures


This is an Extended Learning Institute (ELI) course. ELI courses differ from campus courses in several important ways, including enrollment dates, communication with faculty, assignment completion requirements, and exams. You must follow ELI's policies and procedures if you take this course. Read (or review) ELI's Policies and Procedures before you begin the course. If you have questions, call ELI at (703) 323-3347 or (888) 435-6822.
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Contacting the Instructor

I am here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact me when they do:

E-mail : ataormina@nvcc.edu
Telephone : (703) 323-3347 (during my ELI office hours)
Voice mail : (703) 450-2506, ext. 37198


You may also call me to schedule a meeting in person, either at ELI or my campus office. 
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Beginning the Course

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard at http://learn.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.