2. * Science fiction is a writing style which combines science and fiction. * It is only limited by what we presently know about the basic physical laws of nature. * It evolved as a response to fantasy. * To go beyond “what is” and think about what MIGHT BE.

3. The author Theodore Sturgeon said, A good science-fiction story is 1. a story about human beings 2. with a human problem 3. a human solution 4. which would not have happened at all without its science content

4. In Science Fiction, there needs to be some possibility that the events could possibly happen. In Fantasy, the author can use far-fetched assumptions such as: unicorns, three-legged creatures etc.

5. Extrapolation is when a writer takes a known scientific fact and imagines what might happen if certain events or circumstances evolve. For example: 1. Man can build space shuttles. 2. Let’s imagine, man can travel to faraway planets.

6. 1. Stories must have some basis in science or technology. 2.Must have verisimilitude - plot must have some appearance of reality as we know it. 3.Some of the realistic details could foretell future technology. 4.Stories explain what effect new discoveries, happenings, and scientific developments will have on us in the future.

7. Examples of Story Ideas: * The Last Man/Woman on Earth * The Robot * The First Landing Story * Time Travel * The Alternate World * The Lost Civilization

8. * The Alien Encounter * The Colonization of a New Planet * The End of the World * The Long Spaceship Voyage * The Computer * From the point of view of an alien

9. Stories often are set 1.in space or on other planets. 2.under the oceans. 3.in another dimension of existence. 4.in a utopia or dystopia. 5.in the past or future because of time travel. 6.in present, but alternate reality.

10. 1.Usually one-dimensional, or flat. 2.Include a Protagonist (Hero) and Antagonist (Villain). 3.They often have special powers. 4.Aliens, robots, and humanoids are common characters. 5.Superhuman abilities in characters (mind control, read people’s minds, fly). 6.These characters may be a being (human or other) or may be a force. 7.Protagonist or Antagonist may be a society’s laws, a disease or other problem, technology, etc.

11. 1.Man vs. Machine (technology could destroy us) 2.Man vs. Alien (War of the Worlds) 3.Man vs. Establishment (government uses technology to control people) 4.Man vs. Society (advanced technology breeds uncaring, “non-human” people)

12. * Space travel to and from other planets (Star Wars, Star Trek) * Time travel to the past and future (Back to the Future) * Psychological/biological changes to man brought about by scientific changes/Genetic Engineering (The Incredible Hulk, Spider Man) * Over-Population * Nuclear War * Environmental Issues * Fear of Technology

13. * Supernormal powers/talents (Superman, Spiderman, Batman) * Science applied to human relations for constructive or destructive purposes (Weird Science, Frankenstein) * Battle with alien life forms/Alien Invasion (Signs, The Day the Earth Stood Still, District 9) * Alternate Universe (Star Wars)

14. 1. Make a serious comment about the world 2. Often contains a warning for humankind

15. 1.Entertaining 2.Prepares us for events which just may happen in the future. 3. Provides another format for social commentary. 4.Deals with man’s human nature as well as his scientific progress.

16. * By Ray Bradbury * Published in 1951 * A collection of short stories * A frame story: story using a “framing device” to pull the stories together into one unit.

19. So, according to the prologue of this story you read for today, what is the “frame” for The Illustrated Man?

20. 1. A tattooed carnival performer 2. Tattoos “come to life” 3. “Tell” the stories – sort of a video format 4. Occasional reaction from the observer

21. 5. Each tattoo tells a separate story