1. Science Fiction

2. Science Fiction

3. Definition
It is hard to define because it overlaps with fantasy literature.
Usually deals with the “What ifs?”
Kathryn Cramer states that it “investigates moral, philosophical and technological possibilities” (conknet.com).
Uses science or technology

4. History of Science Fiction
Precursors to science fiction can be seen all the way back to the 2nd century with Lucian’s True History. Some of the Arabian Nights stories will fall under Science Fiction.
The 19th century saw the true emergence of Science Fiction with Jules Verne’s stories like Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.
Other famous Science Fiction stories include Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.

5. History Continue
The 20th century saw such great writers like Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke.
1966 was the start of Star Trek on TV.
The 1970’s saw Star Wars.

6. Characteristics Technology (may be human made or alien) Antagonist:
Can be:
New technology
Time travel
Robots
New scientific principles
Antagonist:
Can be beings or a force
Can be societies rules
Not necessarily human

7. Characteristics Continued
Can involve new types of social or political systems
Setting
Alternate locations (another planet, the ocean, dimensions, or time periods)
Time periods can include alternate realities. EX: Germany won World War II.
Storyline
Kathryn Cramer states that it deals with “moral, social, philosophical, technical and intellectual issues and/or questions” (conknet.com).

8. Two important elements in all Science Fiction
Dissociation
David Louis Edelman states that, “every science fiction story has some element that is profoundly alien to the reality of its intended audience” (deepgenre.com).
Scientific Progress
New weapons
New medical technology
Flying cars

9. "Dystopias: Definition and Characteristics." Read Write Think. NCTE, n.d. Web. 14 Jan < lesson_images/lesson926/DefinitionCharacteristics.pdf>. Mallory, Jeff. "Dystopia." Gordon State. Gordon State. Web. 14 Jan < htm>. "Utopia." Learning Dreamers and Dissenters. The British Library Board. Web. 14 Jan < 1cc/utopia/utopia.html>.