Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Genre Definitions
Code ENGL780
Coordinator Dr WG Slocombe
English
W.Slocombe@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 7 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the critical debates within and about the field of Science Fiction. Over the module, Science Fiction texts and cinematic adaptations will be compared to analyse the potentialities and limitations of each medium, alongside an exploration of a broad gamut of its sub-genres, side-genres, and modes, from scientific romance to the New Weird. The module compares “mainstream” Science Fiction texts (including short stories) with selected texts which might be said to explore comparable imaginative territory, or to be conducting similar experiments with language, narrative, and the mythologies of scientific progress and decline. In so doing, this module attempts to address a most basic question as directly as possible: what does Science Fiction do that other kinds of fiction doesn’t, or can’t?


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will be able to demonstrate a systematic understanding of the ways in which science fiction has been defined, historically and conceptually.

(LO2) Students will be able to analyse and evaluate the ways in which texts can connect with each other to comprise a body of knowledge and field of study.

(LO3) Students will be able to demonstrate advanced skills in textual analysis of a range of science fiction works with detailed attention to questions of genre, form, content, and narrative structure.

(LO4) Students will be able to critically engage with academic research and/or theoretical discourses, and relate these to specific science fiction texts.

(LO5) Students will be able to present their knowledge in a format appropriate to advanced academic study, and suitable for different audiences.

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual)

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving

(S3) Communication (oral, written and visual)

(S4) Communication (oral, written and visual)

(S5) Information skills - Critical reading

(S6) Research skills

(S7) Skills in using technology

(S8) Research skills


Syllabus

 

Texts can vary year by year, but the module comprises a mix of fiction, film, and criticism. Illustrative authors and critics studied include: Arthur C. Clarke, Ursula Le Guin, Margaret Atwood, Darko Suvin, Hal Duncan, Justina Robson, China Miéville, and John Clute. Broad topic areas include “A Planet called Science Fiction” (weeks 1-4), about the development and history of the genre; “Travels in Genre Space” (weeks 5-8), concerning subgenres and side-genres; and “Re-Drawing the Genre Map” (weeks 9-12), examining the politics and potential cultural manifestations of the genre.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Seminar
Description: 11 * 1 hr
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Assessment Workshop
Description: 1 * 2 hr
Attendance Recorded: Yes


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours   11

      2

13
Timetable (if known)   60 mins X 1 totaling 11
 
      120 mins X 1 totaling 2
 
 
Private Study 137
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
3,500-word assignment. There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment.  3000-3500 words    60       
1,500-word encyclopaedia entry. There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment.  1000-1500 words    40       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.