Program Overview

Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy

Course Overview

This practical writing course explores the frameworks and concepts that underpin science fiction and fantasy, enabling students to craft their own stories while engaging with elements of science, philosophy, politics, and critical theory.

Learning and Teaching

The module will be delivered online through ten 2-hour sessions, consisting of lectures, class discussions, small group work, and debates. Class sessions will be supplemented by resources available to students via Learning Central. Topics may include:

• The difference between science fiction and fantasy
• How to avoid boring exposition and infodumps
• How to combine world building with characters and plot
• How to reveal world details dramatically through actions and reactions
• The role of routine behaviour in grounding the fantastical

Coursework and Assessment

To award credits, evidence of the knowledge and skills gained or improved is required. The most important element of assessment is that it should enhance learning. Methods are designed to increase confidence and are enjoyable and suitable for adults with busy lives. Students will have the choice of completing a creative portfolio with an accompanying reflective piece or an essay. The portfolio will be approximately 1,500 words in length.

Reading Suggestions

Students may find the following primary texts useful to explore:

• Ray Bradbury: The Martian Chronicles (1950)
• Octavia Butler: Bloodchild and Other Stories (2005)
• Susanna Clarke: Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell (2004)
• Philip K. Dick: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep (1969)
• Neil Gaiman: American Gods (2001)
• William Gibson: Neuromancer (1984)
• Stephen King: The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger (1982)
• Jules Verne: Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (2007 version)
• Andy Weir: The Martian (2011)
• H. G Wells: The War of the Worlds (1898)

Library and Computing Facilities

As a student on this course, you are entitled to join and use the University's library and computing facilities.

Accessibility

The aim is access for all, providing a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long-term medical condition, disability, or specific learning difficulty. Support includes one-to-one advice, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment, and dyslexia screening.

Part-time Courses for Adults

Part-time courses are available in humanities, languages, business, computing, politics and law, science and environment, and social studies.