NCHU Course Outline
Course Name (中) 奇幻文學(二)(4518)
(Eng.) Fantasy Literature(II)
Offering Dept Continuing Bachelor Program in Foreign Languages and Literatures
Course Type Elective Credits 2 Teacher ROSE HSIU-LI JUAN
Department Continuing Bachelor Program in Foreign Languages and Literatures(N)Undergraduate Language English Semester 2025-SPRING
Course Description Fantasy Literature(II): Science Fiction as Fantasy Literature
**Let’s journey beyond the stars and into the imagination!**
This course explores science fiction as a branch of fantasy literature, focusing on its themes, narratives, and cultural significance. By examining key works, including fictions and multimedia, students will analyze the ways science fiction challenges the boundaries of reality, explores human nature and material culture, demonstrates fascination with the cosmos, and addresses philosophical and sociopolitical issues. Topics include technological speculation, utopias and dystopias, alien encounters, and the interplay between science and the imagination.
Prerequisites
self-directed learning in the course Y
Relevance of Course Objectives and Core Learning Outcomes(%) Teaching and Assessment Methods for Course Objectives
Course Objectives Competency Indicators Ratio(%) Teaching Methods Assessment Methods
In the course “Fantasy Literature (II): Science Fiction as Fantasy Literature,” students will explore its fantastic themes, narratives, poetics, and cultural significance. They will:
1. Understand the literary and historical context of science fiction as a branch of fantasy literature.
2. Analyze key themes and motifs in science fiction as fantasy literature.
3. Explore the imagination and creativity in science fiction as fantasy literature.
4. Investigate the role of fantasy in science fiction narratives and presentations.
5. Evaluate the cultural, sociopolitical, and philosophical implications of the interrelation between science fiction and broader cultural, scientific, and technological developments.
6. Develop critical thinking and analytical skills through written and oral communication.
Exercises
Discussion
Other
Lecturing
Written Presentation
Attendance
Oral Presentation
Assignment
Quiz
Other
Course Content and Homework/Schedule/Tests Schedule
Week Course Content
Week 1 1.WK1 Overview of the course ”Fantasy Literature (II): Science Fiction as Fantasy Literature”
Week 2 2.WK2 Defining science fiction and fantasy literature
Week 3 3.WK3 A Beginner’s Guide to Science Fiction and fantasy literature
Week 4 4.WK4 Fantasy literature and science fiction as a speculative genre
Week 5 5.WK5 Technology and Magic
Week 6 6.WK6 Scientific fantasies that come true
Week 7 6.WK7 Scientific fantasies that come true
Week 8 8.WK8 Scientific fantasies: androids, cyborgs, and superhuman
Week 9 9.WK9 Scientific fantasies: nature of reality, time, and existence
Week 10 10.WK10 Alien encounters
Week 11 11.WK11 Fascination with the cosmos and space exploration
Week 12 12.WK12 Utopias and Dystopias
Week 13 12.WK12 Utopias and Dystopias
Week 14 14.WK14 Space opera and space western
Week 15 15.WK15 Apocalyptic Visions
Week 16 16.WK16 Review and quiz
Week 17 17.Self study: Joni Adamson’s lecture on desert ecology in May
Week 18 18.Self study: Take an AI humanities workshop with a proof during the semester
Evaluation
1. Mid-term Assignment (20%): Imagine you are writing a science fiction book. Provide a blurb for your book and create an AI-assisted poster to promote it. Emphasize the fantasy elements in your science fiction and present your ideas to the class.
2. Final Assignment (60%): Choose one of the themes covered in the course. Identify a critical issue, situation, or moment in a science fiction work from our reading list. Create one or more new characters and involve them in the plot to illuminate the theme, issue, or situation. Include quotations from the chosen work and apply the definitions, laws, concepts, and principles we have discussed in class.
3. Class Participation (20%): Participate in class discussions, and answer review questions about texts, themes, and concepts. Note that the final grade may be adjusted based on your level of participation. Each unrequested absence will incur a deduction of points from the final grade while bonus points will be added to encourage good performance.

Course policies:
- Attendance is mandatory. Unexcused absences will affect your grade.
- No late assignments unless prior arrangements are made.
- Academic integrity is expected; plagiarism will result in a failing grade.
Textbook & other References
A Beginner’s Guide to Science Fiction
”What is Science Fiction?”: A Literary Guide for English Students and Teachers
Isaac Asimov, *I, Robot*.Three Laws of Robotics.
Arthur C. Clarke, *”Profiles of the Future”* (Clarke’s Third Law)
Philip K. Dick, ”Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?”
George Orwell, 1984.
Film: Terminator, Blade Runner(1982), Arrival (異星入境), Dune, The Day After Tomorrow (optional)
Teaching Aids & Teacher's Website
To be announced in the iLearning.
Office Hours
Wednesday 20:00-21:00 or by appointment
Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs
04.Quality Education   11.Sustainable Cities and Communities   13.Climate Action   14.Life Below Water   15.Life On Land   16.Peace and Justiceinclude experience courses：N
Please respect the intellectual property rights and use the materials legally.Please repsect gender equality.
Update Date, year/month/day：2025/01/19 11:19:52 Printed Date, year/month/day：2025 / 1 / 22
The second-hand book website：http://www.myub.com.tw/