This module explores the cultural function and representation of science fiction in film and media. From the early beginnings of cinema with the work of Georges Méliès to more recent Blockbusters there has been an enduring fascination with this genre covering such themes such as space exploration, time travel, technology, and aspects of the future. As a genre it has been a source of fascination and debate not only within the industry but also in terms of audiences.¿ This module explores some of the issues and representations that science fiction engages with such as alien invasion, superheroes, sci-fi comedy, telefantasy, sci-fi canon and post-apocalyptic drama across film/TV/radio case studies.

ASSESSMENT ONE: CRITICAL REVIEW PRESENTATION

A 15-minute verbal critical review of a film, television or radio science-fiction related academic book chapter or journal article reflecting the themes of the module with the submission of individual notes used during the presentation.

LOs (Learning Outcomes): 1-3 40%.

ASSESSMENT TWO: RESEARCH PORTFOLIO

A 2500-word research portfolio based on critical biography of a science-fiction/fantasy creative contributor (e.g., director, performer, writer) who has had a significant impact upon the development of the genre in film and/or broadcasting with and an annotated bibliography of key texts used.

LOs (Learning Outcomes): 1-5 60%.

Mixed mode delivery is promoted across the module to adopt a learning approach that promotes facilitated learning, giving you opportunities to discuss and develop an understanding of the key concepts and ways in which science fiction film and media have evolved. It requires you to undertake an active approach to bring ideas to sessions and to have a reflective practice to your work. We will also give you opportunities to assess your own learning and to explore ways in which this can be focused on further in your assignments and discussions. Workshops will be based around science-fiction topics, with extracts being used to illustrate key points. Independent Study should be used to complete research tasks, viewing of complete films and programmes, preparation activities and wider reading.

1. DEMONSTRATE A KNOWLEDGE AND CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING OF DIFFERENT SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY FILM AND MEDIA OUTPUTS AND THEIR DEVELOPMENT FOR DIFFERENT AUDIENCES.

2. APPLY AND REFLECT ON THE THEMES AND APPROACHES OF SCIENCE-FICTION AND FANTASY FILM AND MEDIA TO DEMONSTRATE AN AWARENESS OF CURRENT INTERPRETATION AND PRODUCTION.

3. CRITICALLY EXAMINE SCIENCE-FICTION FILM AND MEDIA IN RELATION TO THEORIES, DEBATES AND CONCEPTS THAT HAVE EVOLVED AND BEEN APPLIED ACROSS DIFFERENT HISTORICAL CONTEXTS.

4. RESEARCH AND ANALYSE SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY FILM AND BROADCAST DRAMAS, IN TERMS OF THEIR NARRATIVE CONSTRUCTION, GENERIC FORMS AND MODES OF REPRESENTATION.

5. COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY HOW SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY MEDIA TEXTS ARE PRODUCED AND CONSUMED BY DIFFERENT TYPES OF AUDIENCES AND THE INFLUENCES OF PIONEER PRACTITIONERS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE GENRE THROUGH APPROPRIATE RESEARCH.

Blackboard, Library, and online resources (including Box of Broadcasts), Blu-Ray/DVD/Audio/IT playback facilities.

The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

Chapman, J. and Cull, N. (2013) Projecting Tomorrow Science Fiction and Popular Cinema, London: I. B. Tauris.

Chapman, J. (2020) Inside the TARDIS, London: Bloomsbury.

Grant, B. (2013) 100 Science Fiction Films, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan/BFI.

Redmond, S. (2017) Liquid Space, London: I. B. Tauris.

Telotte, J. P. (2014) Science Fiction TV, London: Routledge.

See module handbook for a full listing of reading texts.

Science Fiction Film and Media is designed for you to research areas of science-fiction and fantasy film and programming that are of interest to you, so whether you are a viewer or fan of Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Doctor Who, Star Wars, Star Trek, or Lord of the Rings – there are opportunities for you to research about your favourite case study texts and to engage critically with academic articles about the genre’s development in different media.