The major purpose of this standards-aligned semester elective course is to analyze the historical, cultural, and social influences of science fiction text by investigating the stylistic and thematic contributions of science fiction writers of different historical periods to the literary canon. Students will examine the philosophical, political, religious, ethical, and social influences of the historical periods and reflect on their influences on the characters, plots, and settings of science fiction texts. Using written and oral responses to literature, students will also investigate the authors’ use of imagery, language, universal themes, and stylistic devices to develop commentary on life and human nature. As a means of developing the critical thinking and communication skills necessary for the demands of college and work, students will engage in discussion to prepare oral and written arguments that provide all relevant perspectives and consider the validity and reliability of sources. Students will engage in a study of interpretative theories to help them understand multiple perspectives and ways to understand literature through different lenses.

In this course, there is an emphasis on writing. Science Fiction Literature includes the historical investigation report, which requires students to use primary and secondary sources to compare different points of view regarding a single historical event and explain reasons for the similarities and differences. Students are expected to write and revise a minimum of eight academic compositions, including timed writing pieces, within the twelfth-grade year. This course provides students opportunities to increase awareness of the audience, purpose, and progression of the stages of the writing process and writing conventions to produce narrative, persuasive, expository, and descriptive texts of at least 1,500 words each. California Reading/Language Arts Framework states that students in the twelfth grade are expected to read two million words annually on their own, including a good representation of classic and contemporary literature, magazines, newspapers, and online articles. Science Fiction Literature fulfills a B requirement of the UC/CSU Subject Area Requirements and is one of the possible courses paired with Expository Composition or Advanced Composition.