PORTFOLIO length 2500 WORDS weighted at 50%. Learning Outcomes 1-5.
This may include a textual analysis essay, critical review and viewing blog.

RESEARCH PORTFOLIO length 2500 WORDS weighted at 50%. Learning Outcomes 1-5.
This may include a critical biographical research project of a science-fiction/fantasy creative contributor, an annotated bibliography and audience research analysis. Final piece.

This module explores the cultural function and representations of science fiction in film, television and radio. From the early beginnings of cinema going back to the work of Georges Méliès, there has been an enduring fascination with the genre through such themes as space travel and the future. From the adaptations of H. G. Wells in radio drama, to Hollywood and contemporary television there is a long and rich history of the media dealing with its thematic concerns – such as virtual reality, urban and moral decay, time travel, cyborgs and the apocalypse. The genre has been a source of fascination and debate not only within the industry but with scholars and audiences alike. This module will explore some of the issues and representations that science fiction engages with and explores film/TV case studies, sci-fi comedy, tele-fantasy, sci-fi canon, post-apocalyptic drama and supernatural horror fantasy.

You will be introduced to the different topics through interactive workshops, screenings, listenings, reading selected texts, researching material and participating in discussion seminars.

Library Resources: eJournals, databases
DVDs/BluRays
Playback resources
The Blackboard VLE 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. (2013) Inside the TARDIS: The Worlds of Doctor Who, London: I. B. Tauris.
Cook, J. and Wright, P. eds. (2005) British Science Fiction Television, London: I. B. Tauris.
Cornea, C. (2007) Science Fiction Cinema, Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
Grant, B. (2013) 100 Science Fiction Films, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan/BFI.
Johnson, K. M. (2011) Science Fiction Film, London: Berg.
Redmond, S. (2017) Liquid Space: Science Fiction Film and Television in the Digital Age, London: I. B. Tauris.
Telotte, J. P. (2014) Science Fiction TV, London: Routledge.

See the module handbook for a full listing of reading texts.

1. DEMONSTRATE A KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING RELATING TO THE EXPLORATION OF SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY ON FILM, TV AND RADIO AND ITS APPLICATION THROUGH CLOSE ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT CASE STUDY EXAMPLES..
[Knowledge and Understanding]

2. SELECT, APPLY AND REFLECT UPON APPROPRIATE THEMES AND APPROACHES TO THE SCIENCE-FICTION GENRE IN FILM AND BROADCASTING AND DEMONSTRATE AN AWARENESS OF CURRENT INQUIRY. [Learning]

3. CRITICALLY REVIEW SCIENCE-FICTION GENRE TEXTS AND THE WAYS IN WHICH THE THEORIES, DEBATES AND CONCEPTS HAVE EVOLVED IN PARTICULAR HISTORICAL CONTEXTS.
[Enquiry]

4. ANALYSE CRITICALLY SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY ON TV, FILM AND RADIO AND THE NARRATIVE PROCESSES, GENERIC FORMS AND MODES OF REPRESENTATION IN DIFFERENT FILMS AND PROGRAMMES. [Analysis]

5. DEMONSTRATE THE DIFFERENT WAYS IN WHICH AUDIENCE GROUPS MAY MAKE USE OF SCIENCE-FICTION MEDIA TEXTS AND PRODUCTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SOCIAL AND CULTURAL REALITIES AND FRAMES OF REFERENCE.
[Communication]

Science-fiction and fantasy film and programming remain an important part of the film and broadcasting industries. So whether you are a viewer or fan of Harry Potter, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Doctor Who, Star Wars, Star Trek, or Lord of the Rings – there are opportunities for you to write about your favourite case studies. You will also have an opportunity to engage critically with the genre’s development in the media industry. From the adaptations of H.G. Wells in radio drama, to Hollywood and contemporary television there is a long and rich history of the media dealing with its thematic concerns – such as virtual reality, urban and moral decay, time travel, cyborgs and the apocalypse. The genre has been a source of fascination and debate not only within the industry but also with scholars and audiences alike. You will explore some of the issues and representations that science fiction engages with and explore a range of film/TV case studies, fandom, superheroes, sci-fi comedies, telefantasy, sci-fi canon and post-apocalyptic dramas.