The Literature of Science Fiction
English 506/690/790

Information Map
Course Outline for Fall 2013
Syllabus for Fall 2013
Costs
Maps
The City of Lawrence, Kansas

The Center offers a science-fiction literature course at KU available for English undergraduate (ENGL 506), either (ENGL 690), or graduate (ENGL 790) credit. As with our summer SF Institute course, students may, for a donation to the Center, request in advance to take the course not-for-credit through the Center for the Study of Science Fiction on a space-available basis.

Course Outline for Fall 2013

This course meets for the entire Fall semester. SF author and scholar Chris McKitterick leads the course. Click here to view the syllabus, meeting space, and so forth. See this map of the University of Kansas to find your way to the classroom (note: .pdf file).

To provide an understanding of contemporary and future science fiction through studying the history of the genre and many of its great works. After reading a diversity of novel-length SF, we discuss how the genre got to be what it is today by comparing stories and their place in the evolution of SF, from the earliest prototypical examples through more recent work. Students demonstrate their understanding of the genre by writing daily reading responses and creating a substantial final project.

Syllabus for Fall 2013

For more details, click here to view the syllabus, currently in development.

Costs

For credit-seeking students, the cost is what the University charges for three credits tuition; for credit-earning non-residents, be aware that tuition is higher. Alternately, if there is room in the classroom space, you may request to take the course not-for-credit. To take this class through the Center for the Study of Science Fiction (not for credit), we request a donation of $250, payable to CSSF.

If you are a not-for-credit student and require proof of completion of the course, we can provide a certificate upon request. Be sure to contact Chris McKitterick if you wish to enroll in this way; if you wish to enroll for University of Kansas credit, do so in the usual fashion.

Maps

University of Kansas map:
http://www.ku.edu/~parking/ParkingMap.pdf

Kansas Union map:
http://www.union.ku.edu/kansasuniondirect.pdf 

Lawrence map (a bus-route map, but very useful):
http://www.lawrencetransit.org/maps/ltspage2.pdf 

The City of Lawrence, Kansas

For anyone who hasn't visited, Lawrence is wonderful, a lively small city in the Kaw River valley, filled with art, events and activities. The location of the University of Kansas, Lawrence is situated about 40 miles from Kansas City and 20 miles from Topeka. Summers can be hot, but classrooms and housing are air-conditioned.

Among its many amenities, the University of Kansas has a large science-fiction collection and good reference collections; museums of natural history and art; and sports, theater, and concerts. Lawrence has many excellent restaurants, shopping, and recreational opportunities. Kansas City is less than an hour away. Nighttime opportunities include movies, dinner, concerts, and more.

The nearest major airport is Kansas City International, about 55 miles from Lawrence. Transportation to Lawrence from Kansas City International can be arranged through one of several airport shuttle services. By car, Lawrence is at the intersection of U.S. 59 and I-70 (Kansas Turnpike). The west interchange is closer to the campus. Lawrence can also be reached by Kansas Highway 10.

Find out all about Lawrence - its history, stores, museums, observatories, and SFnal activities - here.

Contact us for any logistical help you might need in getting settled for your stay:
        Chris McKitterick (cmckit@ku.edu) or James Gunn (jgunn@ku.edu).

updated 3/26/2013