Center for the Study of Science Fiction
2012–2014 Educational Program

2013 Science Fiction Summer

(Click here for the SF Summer flyer in .doc form or .pdf form.)

Learn how to write SF that sells. Since 1985.

Using the short-story form, this annual two-week residential writing workshop has helped writers who have just begun to publish or who need the final bit of insight or skill understand how to master the elements that create great stories that editors want and readers love. Become part of the writing community: Author and CSSF Director Christopher McKitterick leads the workshop, guest authors (for 2013 it is Andy Duncan and James Gunn) join the discussion, and you can build long-lasting bonds with other writers. Can be taken for professionalization or for graduate credit as ENGL 757.

Learn how to transform your book idea into a successful project. Since 2004.

Award-winning author Kij Johnson leads 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 long-lasting bonds with other members of the writing community.

Connect with other SF authors, scholars, editors, and fans while celebrating the best SF of the year. In an intimate setting, discuss topics relevant to the human condition and the science-fiction field. Since 1979.

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 the venue for presenting the John W. Campbell Memorial Award for the best science-fiction novel of the year, the Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Award for the best short science fiction of the year, and the Lifeboat to the Stars Award for . One of the genre's best-kept secrets!

Return to the scene of the crime to reinforce the lessons from your last workshop, and reconnect with other alums. Since 2010.

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

Become fluent in SF by becoming familiar with some of the most-influential works that shaped the genre. Since 1975.

This annual two-week intensive course that alternates between the SF short story and the SF novel. For 2013, we study the SF short story; in 2014, we will study the SF novel. Can be taken for professionalization or for credit as ENGL 506 (undergraduate) or ENGL 790 (graduate).

Get away from mundane life to a place where your only job is to write. Since 2002.

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 except that it must correspond to either the Writing Workshops or the SF Institute dates. We limit enrollment to 12 due to space concerns, so be sure to let us know that you're interested sooner rather than later.

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 2014. If you are interested in helping organize or participate in this event, let us know!

Enrollment Information
and Request Forms

To attend some or all of our CSSF Summer activities or to enroll in a regular course not-for-credit, complete this electronic form.

2013 Fall Semester

Starting in Fall 2012, we now offer a new course that alternates between the SF short story and the SF novel. For 2012, we studied the short story; in 2013, we will study the SF novel. Listed as ENGL 506/690/790, depending on the semester offered.

"Fantasy Literature"

Offered for the first time in the Fall of 2012, this freshman-sophomore honors seminar traces the origins of the genre through today. Listed as ENGL 205.

Projected 2014 Spring Semester

This new course is proposed for Spring 2014. Speculative-fiction scholars need to confidently wield a variety of critical tools for research and publication in the field. A must-take for graduate students studying speculative fiction. Likely to be listed as ENGL 6xx (TBA).

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. Participants write weekly reading responses, a mid-term paper, a final project, and take part in a group discussion. Everyone leads at least one session's discussion. Listed as ENGL 507/690/790.

Offered for the first time in the 2013–2014 academic year, this new course for seniors and graduate students studies literature in the fantastic mode and genre, from foundational works such as Beowulf and Apuleius's The Golden Ass through modern works by China Miéville, Donald Barthelme, and others. Listed as ENGL xxx (TBA).

Projected 2014 Fall Semester

We now offer a course that alternates between the SF short story and the SF novel. For Fall 2014, we will study the SF short story. Listed as ENGL 506/690.

"Animal Narratives"

This proposed freshman-sophomore honors seminar studies the ways animals are used in literature, including mainstream, SF/F/H, and children's works. Likely to be listed as ENGL 5xx.