EGL2430.DL01 (66760)
Prince George’s Community College
Fall 2013
Survey Of Science Fiction Literature (Online)
Robert Goldberg, Professor
Office:
Mailbox:
Phone:
Dept.
E-mail:
M-3052
M-3072
301-322-0566
301-322-0561/ Fax: 301-322-0549
robert.goldberg@pgcc.edu
Class: Online, via Blackboard
Office Hour: W: 8:00-9:00 p.m., via Blackboard
& by appointment
Course Web Site: http://pgcconline.blackboard.com
Web Site: http://academic.pgcc.edu/~rgoldber
To communication with me via e-mail, you must use your PGCC-issued Owl Mail account!
Course Description
We will discuss science fiction literature, including European and American Science Fiction
(SF), with an emphasis on history, themes, forms, and relationship to Western culture and
literature. We will examine some of the exemplary and pivotal works of key SF writers.
We will look at:
 ‘Hard’ SF, which focuses on technology
 ‘Speculative’ SF, which asks difficult questions about “the human condition”
 SF that encounters the problems of time travel, the future, Utopias, and aliens
As with all great literature, SF has formulas and conventions; we will, to some extent, explore
how and why those conventions work.
Prerequisite: EGL 1020, 1100, 1320, or 1340
Course Outcomes
Upon successfully completing the course, you will be able to:
Measurable Outcomes
Planned Assessments
1.3: Read and comprehend college-level
Written exams, quizzes,
materials
and analytical essays
1.4: Read and analyze college-level
materials
2 Explain how a science fiction
5.1: Compare and contrast the core values
Written exams, quizzes,
text reflects the social,
and traditions of various cultures
analytical essays,
cultural, and intellectual
within the global environment
discussion board
climate when the work was
5.2: Comprehend the nature and value of
postings
written.
the fine, literary, and performing arts
5.3: Relate fine, literary, and performing
arts to human experiences
3 Write essays, one of which
1.1: Write in standard English at the
Analytical essays
must contain research,
college level
analyzing some important
3.1: Reason abstractly and think critically
science fiction texts.
4.1: Recognize the need for
information
4.2: Locate, evaluate, and effectively
synthesize needed information
6.1: Evaluate ethical principles
6.2: Apply ethical principles in
professional and personal decisionmaking
* See the 2013-14 Catalog, beginning on page 54, for a more detailed explanation and definitions.
1
Course Outcome
Identify major authors, titles,
and trends in the history of
science fiction.
EGL2430.DL01
Page 2 of 8
Required:
The Norton Book of Science Fiction, LeGuin, U., & Attebery, B., Eds. (1993)
ISBN: 0-393-97241-0
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, Dick, Philip K. (1968, Ballantine)
ISBN: 0-345-40447-5
Neuromancer, Gibson, William (1984, Ace Books)
ISBN: 0-441-00746-5
Recommended:
Grading:
Goldberg, Fall 2013
Rules for Writers, 7th edition, Hacker (Bedford-St. Martin’s)
Midterm Exam
Final Exam
Reading Quizzes (7 @ 10 points each)
Writing
Paper 1
Paper 2
Term Project (Long Paper)
Responses (based on readings, 7 @ 10 points each)
Discussion Boards (content, quality; 15 @ 12 points each)
Attendance/Participation (2 points per week)
TOTAL
150 points
150 points
70 points
75 points
75 points
200 points
70 points
180 points
30 points
1000 points
Grade Scale
A = 1000899.51
B = 899.5799.51
C = 799.5699.51
D = 699.5599.51
F = 599.5-
You must complete all major assignments (essays, midterm exam, and final exam) to pass the class.
Credit Hour Explanation
At Prince George’s Community College, for all credit courses, students are expected to spend a
minimum of 37.5 combined hours of instructional time and related coursework time per credit
hour. This course is a 3-credit course. This course achieves a minimum of 112.5 hours of
instructional time by requiring 37.5 hours of instructional time and 75 hours of student work
outside of instructional time.
Exams
Exams will consist of short essays, identifications, and fill in the blanks. They will be based on
the readings, class discussions, and other materials, and will have a 3-hour time limit.
Quizzes
You will have several scheduled quizzes (listed on calendar). They will be based on the readings
(and movie/video clips) prior to that quiz, and will generally be multiple choice and/or
True/False, with a 30-minute time limit.
Short Papers (Papers 1 and 2)
Everyone must complete two literary analysis papers to pass the class. 75 points each.
Research-Supported Paper (Paper 3)
Everyone must complete a research-supported paper to pass the class. See page 5 for details. 200
points.
EGL2430.DL01
Page 3 of 8
Goldberg, Fall 2013
Discussion Boards
In order to successfully complete this class, you must participate in the weekly Discussion
Boards. This is where you will learn and demonstrate your understanding of important concepts
as well as the literature. Therefore, participation in the Discussion Boards is mandatory, and is
equivalent to attending class in a traditional face-to-face class (see "Attendance Policy" below).
Your Discussion Board participation generally requires two components: 1) responding to my
original postings/questions; and 2) replying to at least two classmates (with something more than
"I agree."). Each week's Discussion Board (from week 1 through week 15) is worth 10 points
(total - 150 points), and will be graded on content (40%), clarity (30%), and grammar/mechanics
(30%).
Response Assignments
In addition, you will write response assignments, which you will submit on the due dates listed
in the class schedule. In general, you will write a short entry on the stories we discuss during the
semester. Some stories contain puzzles, which you might be asked to unravel. You may be asked
to relate to a character, to speculate on a future world, or to comment on the science or
technology explored by the writer. I do not expect (nor do I require) polished prose; the journal is
an exploration of your thoughts -- be imaginative, creative, but be relatively thorough in about 23 body paragraphs (one paragraph per story). I do expect good grammar and mechanics. Files
must be saved in Rich Text Format (.rtf) or Word 2007 (.docx) format. Follow the specific
content details located in each Learning Unit.
You will submit journal entries 7 times during the semester, with each submission containing
multiple paragraphs, including a conclusion. Start with a brief introduction, follow with a brief,
clear paragraph about some thought on the story (or an aspect of the story - as described above),
and end with a conclusion that perhaps shows how each of the stories in that week's reading are
connected. Each submission is worth 10 points (total - 70 points), and will be graded on content
(40%), clarity (30%), and grammar/mechanics (30%).
Attendance Policy & Participation
Attendance in an online class is crucial to your success, as in a face-to-face class. Attendance
here refers to your participation in the weekly Discussion Boards. Failure to participate as
instructed will equal an absence. Failure to participate fully will result in a 1/2 absence. Two
unexcused absences may result in your course grade being lowered by one grade. Four or more
absences may result in you not passing the course. If you must be absent, it is your responsibility
to catch up on any missed work.
In addition, you will be awarded up to 2 points per week, from week 1 through week 15, for
attendance and full participation in the weekly Discussion Boards (total - 30 points), as follows:
2 points for full participation, 1 point for partial or late participation, 0 points for no
participation. (1 point equals 1/2 absence; 0 points equals 1 absence.)
 You may not make up any missed work without my prior consent.
To withdraw from the course, follow the procedures outlined in the 2013-2014 Catalog (p. 39). If
you stop attending class and do not officially withdraw, you will receive a grade of 'F' for the
course. For fall 2013, November 15 is the last day to officially withdraw.
EGL2430.DL01
Page 4 of 8
Goldberg, Fall 2013
Q Grades
Students are expected to attend and participate in class activities. Students who either never
attended the class or who ceased attendance during the first 20 percent of the course will be
assigned a Q grade by the instructor. The Q grade is a final grade and will not be replaced with a
different grade at a later time. Although the Q grade will not impact students' GPA, the issuance
of a Q grade will likely decrease students' financial aid awards.
Faculty are required to report the date of last attendance for each student receiving Q or F
grade(s) in order for the college to report this date to a variety of federal agencies as mandated.
The date of last attendance is considered the date of the student’s termination from the course,
regardless of the date of grade submission. Early termination from a course may result in
reduction in student loans and financial aid (e.g., Pell, VA benefits) and may require the student
to reimburse funds to the funding agency.
Course Policies
This is a distance learning course. As such, you have some flexibility in completing the course.
Persons enrolled in this section must complete all course requirements as outlined in the
following section. The due dates listed in the calendar are firm; it is your responsibility to
schedule, complete, and submit required course assignments on time.
Likewise, you are responsible for scheduling and completing the course chapters, the relevant
reading for the course, and understanding of associated exercises and tools. You are also
responsible for communicating and working with your team member to complete the final
project. You must complete and submit all material on time. A final grade will be issued at the
end of the term on the date required by the College.
Classroom Code of Conduct
In addition to the College's Code of Conduct, our virtual classroom also has a code of conduct.
For the class to be effective, each student must observe this code. All students must show their
classmates proper respect. This includes communication through email, within the class and
group chat rooms, and in the Discussion Forums. All students must observe proper 'netiquette'
(or, Internet etiquette). Emails to classmates or to the professor must be appropriate. Avoid social
emailing. Avoid 'flaming'. (Avoid abusive, disruptive, inappropriate language.) Such behavior
will not be tolerated, and will be dealt with according to the College's "Code of Conduct" (see
below).
Civility
To promote a community of scholarship and civility, everyone at Prince George's Community
College is expected to be respectful, tolerant and courteous towards others at all times, adhere to
college policies and procedures, and respect college property. Creating a culture of civility both
inside and outside the classroom is everyone’s responsibility.
Civility is a college-wide commitment and in order to identify PGCC students, we are requiring
that ALL students have their IDs visible while AT ANY COLLEGE SITE, WHETHER THEY
ARE ON THE LARGO CAMPUS OR ANY EXTENSION SITE.
Code of Conduct
The Prince George's Community College Code of Conduct defines the rights and responsibilities
EGL2430.DL01
Page 5 of 8
Goldberg, Fall 2013
of students and establishes a system of procedures for dealing with students charged with
violations of the code and other rules and regulations of the college. A student enrolling in the
college assumes an obligation to conduct himself/herself in a manner compatible with the
college's function as an educational institution. Refer to the 2013-2014 Student Handbook for a
complete explanation of the Code of Conduct, including the procedure for dealing with
disruptive student behavior.
Code of Academic Integrity
The college is an institution of higher learning that holds academic integrity as its highest
principle. In the pursuit of knowledge, the college community expects that all students, faculty,
and staff will share responsibility for adhering to the values of honesty and unquestionable
integrity. To support a community committed to academic achievement and scholarship, the
Code of Academic Integrity advances the principle of honest representation in the work that is
produced by students seeking to engage fully in the learning process. The complete text of the
Code of Academic Integrity is in the 2013-2014 Student Handbook.
Academic dishonesty, including plagiarism or cheating, has severe consequences, from an
automatic "0" on the assignment, to an "F" or "F*" for the course, to possible suspension from
the college.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism, whether intentional or not, is using someone else's words or ideas without
acknowledging your debt. For example, a plagiarized paper might be one that is copied word for
word from a single source, one that contains some paragraphs or sentences lifted directly from one
or more sources, or one that changes a few words here and there but basically presents another
writer’s work as your own. In English 101, you learned how to document any use of secondary
sources using correct MLA format. You are responsible for this information. I will not tolerate
plagiarism!
Disability Support Services
Students requesting academic accommodations are required to contact the Disability Support
Services Office (M-1042) or call (301) 322-0838 (voice) or (301) 322-0122 (TTY) to establish
eligibility for services and accommodations. Students with documented disabilities should
discuss the matter privately with their instructors at the beginning of the semester and provide a
copy of their Student/Faculty Accommodation Form.
EGL2430.DL01
Page 6 of 8
Goldberg, Fall 2013
Term Project (Paper 3 – Research-Supported) Topics
You must submit a completed research-supported, thesis-driven paper by December 6. You have a
choice of several possibilities, so choose wisely. Each option must be at least 10 pages long, but not longer
than 15 pages long (not counting the Works Cited page), and must use at least five scholarly secondary
sources, in addition to your primary sources (novels, short stories, films). Your sources must come from
the PGCC Library's Research Databases or reputable, valid Web sites. Follow MLA format for the paper,
the in-text citations, and the Works Cited page. {Do not use a cover page.}
You MAY NOT use any public online wiki or Cliff Notes, Spark Notes, Monkey Notes (or any other
"notes"). Do NOT use essay writing sites, such as freeessays123.com, 123helpme.com, and so on. Doing
so WILL result in an automatic zero, with NO opportunity to rewrite the essay.
By November 3, you must let me know, via the Discussion Board link (labeled "Term Project Topic") in
Blackboard, your selected topic. Choose from the following list:.
1. Research Paper:
You have many choices here: investigate a type (hard, soft, speculative, and so on) of Science Fiction;
investigate a particular author; make interesting comparisons between films and the classic short
stories on which they were based. You can see me for suggestions, or to test your ideas. The best
choices come from your own interests.
2. Book Analysis:
Pick a favorite SF novel – including interactive novels or SF games on the PC – and analyze it in terms
of Science Fiction; that is, discuss and explain themes and ideas covered in class. DO NOT SIMPLY
GIVE ME A PLOT SUMMARY. You may need to briefly summarize the plot and describe the
main ideas, but the focus should be on examining themes and/or ideas. YOU MUST CLEAR THE
BOOK WITH ME!
3. Movie Analysis:
Pick a SF film that you want to see, or watch an old favorite again. Then, analyze the film in terms of
Science Fiction; that is, discuss and explain themes and ideas you see in the film, as they relate to the
course content. DO NOT SIMPLY GIVE ME A PLOT SUMMARY. You may need to briefly
summarize the plot and describe the main ideas, but the focus should be on examining themes and/or
ideas, in terms of what you have learned in class. YOU MUST CLEAR THE MOVIE WITH ME!
4. Novel (or Story) and Movie Comparative Analysis:
Select a SF novel or short story that has been turned into a film (i.e., The War of the Worlds, Do
Androids Dream of Electric Sheep). In your essay, compare and/or contrast the two formats in terms of
literary issues, such as character analysis, theme, imagery, or some other element. Explain the
significances of the similarities or differences. DO NOT SIMPLY GIVE ME A PLOT
SUMMARY. You may need to briefly summarize the plot and describe the main ideas, but the focus
should be on examining the literary element, in terms of what you have learned in class. YOU MUST
CLEAR THE MOVIE and BOOK WITH ME!
5. Other:
If you have some other idea for a project, however strange it may seem, talk with me. In previous
courses, students have illustrated short stories, drawn detailed maps of alien worlds, and submitted
panels for a SF comic book. To submit this option, you must include an analysis and explanation for
your work, providing secondary sources to support your creative decisions. A short story may only be a
few pages; your analysis, in addition to the short story, should be at least 7-10 pages, with sufficient
supporting evidence from secondary sources (at least three). THIS CHOICE REQUIRES PRIOR
APPROVAL!
EGL2430.DL01
Page 7 of 8
Goldberg, Fall 2013
COURSE CALENDAR
Week
Week
1
Begin
Date
8/26
Topics
Course Introduction
What is SF? Elements of SF; Historical
Perspectives
ST: TNG: "Darmok" (video)
Assignments
Student Introductions
Writing Sample
Week 1 Discussion Board
(College Closed 9/2 – Labor Day)
Week
2
LU 1
9/2
Week 2 Discussion Board
Extrapolation: Method of Development Paper 1: Topic Paragraph & Thesis
"The Life of Anybody," R. Sheckley
Statement due 9/8
"Day Million," F. Pohl
9/9
". . .the World as we Know't," H. Waldrop
Week 3 Discussion Board
"Speech Sounds," O. Butler
Quiz 1, due 9/15
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? P.
Response entries, weeks 2-3, due 9/15
K. Dick, Chapters 1-5
9/16
Metaphor & Analogy in story-telling
"The Mountains of Sunset, the Mountains
Week 4 Discussion Board
of Dawn," V. McIntyre
"Half-Life," P. Preuss
9/23
"Comes Now the Power," R. Zelazny
Do Androids Dream... Chapters 6-10
Forbidden Planet (movie clips)
9/30
Estrangement and the Novum
Week 6 Discussion Board
"Over the River and Through the Woods,"
Paper 2: Topic Paragraph & Thesis
C. Simak
Statement due 10/6
"A Midwinter’s Tale," M. Swanwick
Week
7
10/7
"Out of all them Bright Stars," N. Kress
"And the Angels Sing," K. Wilhelm
Do Androids Dream... Chapters 11-16
The Time Machine (movie clips)
Week
8
10/14
Midterm Review
Midterm Exam
Week
9
LU 4
10/21
Reading Protocols
"His Vegetable Wife," P. Murphy
"High Weir," S. Delany
Week
10
10/28
"Frozen Journey," P.K. Dick
Do Androids Dream... Chapters 17-22
Week
3
Week
4
LU 2
Week
5
Week
6
LU 3
Paper 1 Due Tuesday, 9/24
Week 5 Discussion Board
Quiz 2, due 9/29
Response entries, weeks 4-5, due 9/29
Week 7 Discussion Board
Quiz 3, due 10/6
Response entries, weeks 6-7, due 10/6
Week 8 Discussion Board
Midterm Exam due 10/20
Paper 2 Due Tuesday, 10/22
Week 9 Discussion Board
Week 10 Discussion Board
Term Project (Paper 3): Topic
EGL2430.DL01
Page 8 of 8
Blade Runner (movie clips)
Week
11
LU 5
Week
12
Week
13
LU 6
Week
14
LU 7
Goldberg, Fall 2013
Paragraph & Thesis Statement due
11/3
Quiz 4, due 11/2
Response entries, weeks 9-10, due
11/3
11/4
Icons and Megatexts
"Tauf Aleph," Gotlieb
"Good News from the Vatican,"
Silverberg
Neuromancer, W. Gibson, Chapters 1-7
Week 11 Discussion Board
11/11
"The Private War of Private Jacob,"
Haldeman
Neuromancer, Chapters 8-12
ST:VOY: "Heroes and Demons" (video
clips)
AI: Artificial Intelligence (movie clips)
Week 12 Discussion Board
Quiz 5, due 11/17
Response entries, weeks 11-12, due
11/17
11/18
Gender
"The Women Men Don't See," Tiptree
"Homelanding," Atwood
"Midnight News," Goldstein
"Interlocking Pieces," Gloss
ST:TNG: "Offspring" (video)
Neuromancer, Chapters 13-18
Week 13 Discussion Board
Quiz 6, due 11/24
Response entries, week 13, due 11/24
NOTE: Thanksgiving Break: Wednesday,
11/27
NOTE: Thanksgiving Holiday: Thursday,
11/28 through Sunday, 12/1
11/25
Cyberpunk Fiction, Interactive SF, and
other Innovations
"(Learning) About Machine Sex," Dorsey
"Invaders"
Week
15
12/2
Week
16
12/9
"The Gernsback Continuum," Gibson
Neuromancer, Chapters 19-24
The Matrix or Johnny Mnemonic (movie
clips)
Week 14 Discussion Board
Paper 3 (Research Project) Due 12/6
Week 15 Discussion Board
Quiz 7, due 12/8
Response entries, week 14-15, due
12/8
Final Exam Due Thursday, 12/12
Final Exam Week 12/9-12/15
Week 16 Discussion Board due by
12/13