Key facts
UNE unit code: ENGL306
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
Immerse yourself in one of the most distinctive and exciting genres of literature. Science fiction uses the real and imagined inventions of science and technology as well as philosophical speculations to consider and challenge what it means to be human in a changing world.
In this unit you will explore a number of great works of science fiction and chart the origins, development and definitions of the genre and its many sub-genres, for example, utopias/dystopias and time travel.
You will examine how science fiction negotiates its hugely popular status with being also an arena for wider discussions about society, culture, politics, religion and identity.
This unit was designed with a broad audience in mind, so it will be accessible to you, even if you’re not studying English literature.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- identify and critically evaluate debates relating to the origins, definitions and purpose of science fiction;
- identify and discuss the key themes, tropes and generic forms in science fiction texts;
- demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the strategies and mechanisms by which science fiction texts engage with their social, cultural, political, scientific and technological contexts; and
- apply advanced reading, writing and research skills in the critical interpretation of representative science fiction texts and their contexts.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Online Quiz | Yes | 10% | All offerings | No. Words: 500 equivalent |
Take Home Exam | Yes | 40% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 equivalent |
Writing Project | Yes | 50% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 equivalent |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
The Time Machine (Norton Critical Edition)
ISBN: 9780393927948
Wells, H.G., Norton & Co 2008
Text refers to: All offerings
Parable of the Sower
ISBN: 9781472263667
Octavia E. Butler, any edition 2019
Text refers to: All offerings
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep
ISBN: 9781780220383
Dick, P.K., Del Ray 1996
Text refers to: All offerings
Childhood's End
ISBN: 9780330514019
Clarke, A.C., Del Ray 2010
Text refers to: All offerings
The Left Hand of Darkness
ISBN: 9781473221628
Le Guin, U.K., Orion 2017
Text refers to: All offerings
Neuromancer
ISBN: 9781473217386
Gibson, W., Orion 2016
Text refers to: All offerings
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