Center for the Study of Science Fiction
2012 Educational Program

The University of Kansas continues its role as the leader in science fiction education. I can do no greater service to teachers than to repeat the advice that I gave in Anatomy of Wonder 4: you should attend one of the Intensive English Institutes on the Teaching of Science Fiction offered at the University of Kansas each summer.

-Dennis M. Kratz, Anatomy of Wonder 5

For 2012, we offer the following special CSSF courses and events at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas. The Center also offers two awards for University of Kansas students: the James E. Gunn Award for Science Fiction Writing and the Scholarship in Science Fiction Studies.

Click the links below for full information about the science-fiction programs available through the Center for the Study of Science Fiction and the University of Kansas:

In this course we read nonfiction works and science fiction to explore the past, present, and possible future effects of science and technology on society and humankind as a species.

Starting in Fall 2012, we offer a new course that alternates between the SF short story and the SF novel. For 2012, we will study the short story.

This annual two-week intensive course that alternates between the SF short story and the SF novel. For 2012, we will study the novel.

This annual two-week residential writing workshop is intended for writers who have just begun to publish or who need that final bit of insight or skill to become a published writer. Author and CSSF Director Christopher McKitterick leads the workshop, and guest author Bradley Denton - another former student of workshop founder James Gunn - joins for the second week.

Award-winning author Kij Johnson teaches this annual two-week residential writing workshop, during which attendees generate the best possible chapters and an outline for a writer's submission packet, learn what's necessary to complete or revise the novel with an eye toward publication, and build bonds with other members of the writing community.

This annual follow-up workshop to Kij Johnson's annual two-week residential writing workshop is offered to alums of that program only.

The annual Writer's Retreat is offered for a two-week (or four-week) period corresponding to the SF/F Workshops and SF Institute. You need not apply by any specific date, but we limit enrollment to 12 due to space concerns, so be sure to let us know that you're interested sooner rather than later.

The Campbell Conference is the core of our annual summer program and features intelligent and informed discussion as well as readings, signings, and talks by a variety of important SF authors, editors, and scholars. It is also the venue for presenting the John W. Campbell Memorial Award for the best science-fiction novel of the year and the Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Award for the best short science fiction of the year. One of the genre's best-kept secrets!

We now offer two online SF courses especially for educators who cannot attend the live courses. If you are local, we highly recommend that you attend the SF Institute or SF Literature courses.

Science Fiction Youth Summer Camp: Coming Soon

In the near future, we hope to offer the Science Fiction Youth Summer Camp, sponsored by the Center for the Study of Science Fiction. Check back for updates. We hope to offer this program for Summer 2012 or 2013. If you are interested in helping organize or participate in this event, let us know!

Use this electronic form to attend the summer programs.