1. EQ: What are the elements of the science fiction genre?
Introduction to
Science Fiction
EQ: What are the elements of the science fiction genre?

2. Sci Fi Definitions --Author ,Theodore Sturgeon
"A good science-fiction story is a story about human beings, with a human problem, and a human solution, which would not have happened at all without its science content”
“A form of fiction that draws imaginatively on scientific knowledge and speculation in its plot, setting, theme, etc.”
--Author ,Theodore Sturgeon

3. What is Science Fiction?
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.
Science fiction stories contain some or all of the following elements:
Time or Space Travel
Advanced Technology
Futuristic Setting
Parallel Universe /Society

4. Writers take Scientific Possibilities and develop them step-by-step from known data to form a story.

5. Types of Science Common in Sci Fi
Advanced technology
Genetics
Disease / Virus
Exploration
Super powers
Science can be the savior or the root of the problem

6. Science Fiction VS. Fantasy
Science Fiction deals with improbable (unlikely) possibilities, 
Fantasy with plausible (believable)
impossibilities.
Magic, mystical elements, supernatural creatures
“Science fiction, given its grounding in science, is possible; fantasy, which has no grounding in reality, is not.” –Isaac Asimov (author of I Robot)

7. Major Themes in Science Fiction
Person versus Society
Person versus Technology
Self- Knowledge – understanding humanity or what it is to be human

8. The Higher Purpose of Science Fiction
Social Criticism:
Makes a serious comment about the real world
Questions Morality: Often contains a warning for humankind
Makes us examine our own world and practices: Dystopian / Utopian Society