The Science of Science Fiction Module 2 MWF 9:00-9:50 Time for viewing films will be established in the first class period. Meeting place: Libr 154 for lecture

Office HAN 42 Office Hours: 9::30-11:00 am T; others by appointment only; please call 359-4377 or email gilchris@virtu.sar.usf.edu for an appointment. Be sure to check my homepage for information concerning the class. Text: Fantastic Voyages: Learning Science Through Science Fiction Films by Dubeck, Moshier and Boss; readings will be encouraged and assigned from supplementary sources. Online contact for the class can be made (science@virtu)

This class will introduce students to biology and other natural sciences through examination of "science" portrayed in the science fiction genre. Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine provides one of the more intriguing definitions of science fiction: "Science fiction is that branchof literature that deals with human responses to changes in the level of science and technology." Much current science fiction is focused on American and European cultures. Ideas from other cultures such as those in China, India, and Africa will expand understanding of the sciences. Several books, short stories, and novellas are available on reserve for students to browse and use. Students may also use other books appropriate to the topics discussed in classes.

Evaluation will rest upon four criteria: completion of two class projects (started in class and completed outside of class), a notebook containing reviews of films (see handout for elements required in reviews) and responses to in class discussions, answers to selected exercises from the text, and a final presentation (based on one of the class projects). The in class projects will entail 1) creating a "new" species of organisms based on properties of living organisms and 2) creating a biologically viable "world" based upon scientific principles. Final presentation can be a performance, poster, or oral report; a synopsis in the notebook is required along with a bibliography. The class will also be engaged in projects on the web. A class chat room will be established for discussing ideas and for creating group projects. NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR EVALUATION. Notebooks are due by 5 pm EST on Monday after the last day of classes. Below is a tentative schedule for the class. Some flexibility should be expected. THIS IS NOT A LITERATURE COURSE OR A FILM COURSE. THE FOCUS IS ON THE SCIENCE REPRESENTED IN SUCH MEDIA.

Week#	Topic	Readings*
1	Characteristics of living things Time	DM&B 6 start first project
2	Cellular reproduction Heat,Temperature,Thermodynamics	DM&B 8, 11
3	Energy needs of living things States of Matter	DM&B, 12
4	Plants and animals compared	DM&B 13 start second project
5	Multicellularity and immunity	DM&B 14
6	Evolution	DM&B 15, Buttery thesis,
7	Presentations and wrap ups
*supplemental reading list is available for each topic

How to write film reviews for Science of Science Fiction

Students should look at the way films are discussed in Fantastic Voyages text for an overview of style. Included in the review should be the title of the film, the date it was made, a synopsis of the plot, and a commentary on the science aspects of the film.

The plot synopsis should be an overview of the story line. The major events in the film should be included in the summary.

The commentary is the most important part of the review. Students will need to use background knowledge from the class text as well as from readings to discuss the nature of the use of science in the films. Students might also want to browse the web for sites that discuss particular films. There are some site listings on the reading list for the class.

It is not enough to simply indicate an "abuse or absurdity". Students should examine the aims of the films, focus on the major points, and make suggestions as to how the science aspects might be improved if needed. There are many concepts that can be explored within each film. Choose one or a few to consider.

Your reviews should be from one to two pages only.