Entry requirements

General entry requirements + English level 2/English 6 or the equivalent

Main field

No main field of study

Progression level in relation to degree requirements

No main field

Course contents

The course provides an overview of science fiction literature in English from historical, social and literary perspectives. Through the reading and analysis of key works, the development of the genre over time as well as recurring themes, motifs and narrative patterns are examined. Science fiction literature is studied in relation to its historical and cultural contexts, with a particular focus on how literary texts reflect and critically engage with questions of society, technology, and the future. Literary concepts and theoretical perspectives are introduced during the course and applied in the analysis of science fiction literature, with an emphasis on narrative techniques and interpretation. The course places strong emphasis on oral analysis, critical discussion in seminars, and oral presentation. Through a reflective portfolio, the students are given the opportunity to develop their analytical abilities, test and revise interpretations, and express themselves clearly in English when discussing fiction. The course may also address perspectives from literature pedagogy, for example, the potential of science fiction in teaching contexts.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. identify and analyse key themes, motifs and narrative patterns characteristic of science fiction literature,
2. compare and contrast the use of literary concepts, such as narrative perspective and focalisation, in science fiction literature,
3. analyse and discuss science fiction literature in relation to historical and social contexts as well as consider its pedagogical potential,
4. apply literary theory in the analysis of science fiction literature,
5. defend and critically evaluate their own positions, as well as those of others, regarding textual analysis,
6. express themselves clearly and in largely accurate English about science fiction literature in analytical and pedagogical contexts.

Learning activities

The course includes a variety of teaching and learning formats, such as seminars, lectures, independent study, and group work. These are designed based on the aims and learning outcomes of the course and are developed collaboratively by students and teacher educators at the university.

Assessment

Learning outcomes 1-6 are assessed by means of a portfolio.

The grading criteria will be communicated by the course coordinator at the start of the course.

For all forms of assessment, the basis for assessment must allow for the differentiation of individual performance.

Course literature and other study materials

Atwood, Margaret (2004). Oryx and Crake. New York: Vintage (400 pages)
Clarke, Arthur (2002). A Fall of Moondust. London: Orion (224 pages)
Huxley, Aldous (2004). Brave New World. New York: Vintage (288 pages)
Roberts, Adam (2005). Science Fiction. London: Routledge (168 pages)
Shelley, Mary (2014). Frankenstein. London: Alma (224 pages)
St John Mandel, Emilie (2022). Station Eleven. London: Pan MacMillan (352 pages)
Wells, Herbert (2017). The Time Machine, London: Alma (144 pages)
In addition, articles and short stories totalling approximately 200 pages will be included.

Course evaluation

Malmö University provides students who participate in, or who have completed a course, with the opportunity to express their opinions and describe their experiences of the course by completing a course evaluation administered by the University. The University will compile and summarise the results of course evaluations. The University will also inform participants of the results and any decisions relating to measures taken in response to the course evaluations. The results will be made available to the students (HF 1:14).

Interim rules

If a course is no longer offered, or has undergone significant changes, the students must be offered two opportunities for re-examination based on the syllabus that applied at the time of registration, for a period of one year after the changes have been implemented.

Additional information

If a student has a Learning support decision, the examiner has the right to provide the student with an adapted test, or to allow the student to take the exam in a different format. The syllabus is a translation of a Swedish source text.