Course Description

English 26 is an intensive study of the artistic and literary qualities of Science Fiction literature, paying special attention to the historical and cultural conditions that impacted the development of the genre, as well as the social and potential scientific impact that Science Fiction literature has had on society.   

“What is now proved was once only imagined.” – William Blake.

Course Materials

Masterpieces: The Best Science Fiction of the Twentieth Century.  ed. Orson Scott Card.  

Bester, Alfred.  The Stars My Destination.

Card, Orson Scott.  Speaker for the Dead.  

Gibson, William.  Neuromancer.

Heinlein, Robert A.  The Moon is a Harsh Mistress.

Herbert, Frank.  Dune.  

Course Requirements/Grading

Two Socratic Exams, each worth one letter grade.

Oral Presentation,  worth one letter grade.

Research Paper, worth two letter grades.

Attendance

In order for students to maximize their understanding and appreciation of English 26, they must attend class faithfully.  According the the El Camino College Catalog, an instructor has recourse to drop a student after three (3) hours of instruction for a three (3) unit class.  Keeping this in mind,  a total of three (3) absences—excused or otherwise—are allowable without penalty; however, exceeding this limit may result in the student being dropped from the course.  This is college.  Whether students come to class every day is their business; however, they should remain aware that there are consequences to their actions.

Participation

Students are expected to be prepared for each class meeting and to participate in discussions and peer responses.  Being prepared for discussions means having read assigned readings and having completed necessary exercises before they are due.  It also means being prepared for peer responses by bringing to class a completed draft of the current essay assignment. 

Plagiarism

The use of someone else’s words or ideas without acknowledging the source is plagiarism and is unacceptable.  Because you will be working with many readings in your writing assignments, you must be careful to cite other people’s words and ideas that you incorporate—by way of quotation, paraphrase, and summary—into your essays.

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