By way of hands-on lecture input, student projects and presentations as well as self-directed studying, students will practice and thus acquire critical/cultural thinking skills that will help them develop a critical understanding and appreciation of Sci-Fi-related literary/media texts and its various facets.Carefully chosen examples which make the subject easier to understand and highlight specific themes and concepts: to be announced (in class).Important notice: Blended Learning integrates thoughtfully structured online activities into face-to-face courses. Detailed instructions about the schedule and procedure will be provided via e-mail and Moodle. To stay up-to-date, please make sure to check your AAU inboxes on a regular basis.

(1) Dynamic lecture inputs for theoretical and basic background(2) Close readings of reading assignments (close reading for literary analysis)(3) In-class discussions(4) Video essays, presentations, quiz...... and much more!

According to Gilks, Fleming and Allen, Science fiction (Sci-Fi) is a genre of speculative fiction, usually dealing with imaginative concepts such as advanced science and technology, time travel, spaceflight, and extraterrestrial life. Science fiction has come a long way since its early days, when Isaac Asimov defined it as "that branch of literature which is concernedwith the impact of scientific advance upon human beings" (Modern Science Fiction, 1953). By the 70s, the genre of science-based ideas had grown; it wasn't just concerned with science, but with consequences. It asked "what if?" What if a world existed in which this or that were true?Pamela Sargent dubbed it "the literature of ideas." Fiction is any story or setting that is derived from imagination—in other words, not based strictly on history or fact. A work of fiction implies the inventive act of world building, so its audience does not typically expect it to be totally faithful to the real world in presenting only characters who are actual people or descriptions that are factually true. Characters and events within a fictional work may even be set in their own context entirely separate from the known universe: an independent fictional universe.Primarily tackling unique themes and concepts of (science) fiction, drama, film and, at times, other related topics, students are encouraged to learn the basic principles, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of literary texts and more. Specific examples will then highlight the importance of taking a closer look at what makes analyzing science fiction so fascinating.

No prior knowledge required.

Reading packets will be provided in digital form on a regular basis. There is no need to buy any books.

(1) Active participation in class and at home(2) Term project (presentation) and written assignment (term paper or script)(3) QuizThe use of AI support or AI-generated text is prohibited in all of my courses:In order to check whether this ban is respected, there is the possibility of a compulsory, individual, and oral follow-up defence of submitted or presented work. Should the use of AI be detected in any assignment, or a follow-up defence not be sufficient, the task concerned will automatically receive a fail-grade and your violation will be reported to university leadership, just as is the case with any other form of academic dishonesty or cheating.

(1) Active participation, term project (presentation) and written assignment:Documentation, analysis and critical reflection.(2) Term project and written assignment:Topic of student choice (must be connected to the topics of this course!)(3) Quiz:Fun online Moodle quiz covering questions from the course material (this is NOT an exam!)For further information, please join the Welcome Session!

All (written) assignments comply with instructions/criteria explained during lecture. The final grade is an aggregate (four pillars of assessment):30% = active participation (in class and at home)keep up to date with the required reading, attend to tasks, participate in group activities and discussions 30% = term project (presentation)you’ll present the results of your project; each student’s individual efforts must be made apparent30% = term paper (or script)on a topic of your choice, to be uploaded on Moodle (pdf only!), no printed copy needed10% = quiz (this is NOT an exam!)fun online (!) Moodle quiz covering questions from the course material