This course is being offered as an elective course primarily aimed at non-majors and those with an interest in science fiction. It'll be a combination of science, literary criticism, and fiction writing. We'll get to watch some movies and sf TV shows, too.
Course: Science and Science Fiction, Instructor: Mike Brotherton
Special Topics in Physics, PHYS 4870
Wed. 7-10 PM, (Prowse room, PS 234), Enrollment limited to 20 students
This course will explore the physical sciences through science fiction.
Science fiction is the literature of the modern age, possessing a special
relationship with our rapidly changing technological civilization where
issues once found only in fiction are now issues in reality. Science fiction
also permits a unique discussion of man's place in the universe that can
be difficult to have in either science or humanities classes. Course
activities will involve reading, writing, watching, and discussing science
fiction and the intersection of human/scientific issues involved in the
material considered. Both critical thinking and artistic sensibility will
be emphasized. Some topics to be covered include: space travel,
nanotechnology, time travel, pseudoscience, philosophy of science, science
in film, black holes, quantum theory, relativity, and the craft of fiction
writing.
About the Instructor:
Mike Brotherton is an Assistant Professor of Astronomy who uses the Hubble
Space Telescope and also writes science fiction professionally. His first
novel, the well-received STAR DRAGON (Tor 2003), was a finalist for the
John W. Campbell award for best science fiction novel of 2003.
Preferred Prerequisites: WA, QA, and an S course