Syllabus
Charlie Appleby [email protected]
Decoding Sci-Fi
Unraveling the Mystery
Respect Responsibility Prepared
You are responsible for the information detailed in this syllabus. Keep this safe and available to use when needed. The calendar reading/movie list is subject to change.
Decoding Sci-Fi
Unraveling the Mystery
Respect Responsibility Prepared
You are responsible for the information detailed in this syllabus. Keep this safe and available to use when needed. The calendar reading/movie list is subject to change.
Decoding Science Fiction will follow the origins of science fiction from novels, short stories and TV shows and movies. We will discover the rules that live in a seeming anarchy. We will study the hold that science fiction has on the readers of the world, and we will ask ourselves how far away we are from a science-fiction future.
1st Quarter
College essay
Sci-Fi Genres
Genre research presentation
Sci-Fi Thursdays
War of the Worlds
Hoaxes
Radio broadcast
I, Robot
Logic
Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
Population control
How the world will end research (APA)
2nd Quarter
Watchmen
Alternate History
Utopia discussion
Anthem
Philosophy
Socratic Seminar and discussions
World War Z (Parts)
Zombie Apocalypse
Can it really happen? Argument paper (MLA)
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Sci-Fi Thursdays
Paper (MLA)
Reading
You will be given some time in class to read the novels, however, expect reading homework almost every night. Much of class will be devoted to discussion, working on class assignments, and projects.
Socratic Seminars
In this class we will hold several Socratic Seminars. These will require you to come to class prepared with talking points about what we have been reading or discussing in class. Please see the attached handout about Socratic Seminars.
Movies and Sci-Fi Thursday
We will view several videos, movies and TV shows in order to help explore each genre of Science Fiction. If you miss a class where we are viewing a movie it will be up to you to come in and watch what you missed on your own time. Anything that we watch I consider important and will be a part of the tested curriculum.
Tests
There will be tests and quizzes in this class. While I want to make sure that you understand the plot and characters in the novels we read, only about half of each quiz or test will be asking those questions. At least half of each test or quiz will be looking for an understanding of theme. What is the author saying about human nature, about life? We will also look in depth into the use of symbols in science fiction novels, short stories and other media.
Semester Final
While we will not have a comprehensive quarter test, there will be a semester final that will cover all that we read, watch and discuss in the class. I recommend that you have a separate folder or binder for your Decoding Science Fiction materials and that you keep everything for the entire semester.
SSR
You will have two SSR book assignments this semester. First quarter you must choose a utopian or dystopian novel. Second quarter you must choose a fantasy novel or space opera.
All novels chosen must be high school reading level.
Every early out will also be SSR days for the class. This means that you must bring your book and read through the period. Each SSR period is worth 10 points in the grade book and can be made up at home if you are absent. You must only bring a note saying that you read for ½ hour signed by a parent, guardian, or teacher.
Use of Technology
I am a huge proponent of the school’s cell phone use policy. I have witnessed the good that can come from the ability to access information, or to communicate with parents. That being said, if I believe that you are abusing the use of the cell phone I will take it and you can retrieve it at the end of the period. If it happens twice you can retrieve it at the end of the day, the third time the phone goes to the office, and you will have to deal with them to retrieve it. Abuse includes playing games, texting or viewing inappropriate sites or pictures.
Rules and Expectations
BE PROMPT
BE PREPARED
BE ON TASK
BE COURTEOUS and RESPECTFUL
BE OPEN, HONEST, and ORIGINAL
1st Quarter
College essay
Sci-Fi Genres
Genre research presentation
Sci-Fi Thursdays
War of the Worlds
Hoaxes
Radio broadcast
I, Robot
Logic
Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
Population control
How the world will end research (APA)
2nd Quarter
Watchmen
Alternate History
Utopia discussion
Anthem
Philosophy
Socratic Seminar and discussions
World War Z (Parts)
Zombie Apocalypse
Can it really happen? Argument paper (MLA)
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Sci-Fi Thursdays
Paper (MLA)
Reading
You will be given some time in class to read the novels, however, expect reading homework almost every night. Much of class will be devoted to discussion, working on class assignments, and projects.
Socratic Seminars
In this class we will hold several Socratic Seminars. These will require you to come to class prepared with talking points about what we have been reading or discussing in class. Please see the attached handout about Socratic Seminars.
Movies and Sci-Fi Thursday
We will view several videos, movies and TV shows in order to help explore each genre of Science Fiction. If you miss a class where we are viewing a movie it will be up to you to come in and watch what you missed on your own time. Anything that we watch I consider important and will be a part of the tested curriculum.
Tests
There will be tests and quizzes in this class. While I want to make sure that you understand the plot and characters in the novels we read, only about half of each quiz or test will be asking those questions. At least half of each test or quiz will be looking for an understanding of theme. What is the author saying about human nature, about life? We will also look in depth into the use of symbols in science fiction novels, short stories and other media.
Semester Final
While we will not have a comprehensive quarter test, there will be a semester final that will cover all that we read, watch and discuss in the class. I recommend that you have a separate folder or binder for your Decoding Science Fiction materials and that you keep everything for the entire semester.
SSR
You will have two SSR book assignments this semester. First quarter you must choose a utopian or dystopian novel. Second quarter you must choose a fantasy novel or space opera.
All novels chosen must be high school reading level.
Every early out will also be SSR days for the class. This means that you must bring your book and read through the period. Each SSR period is worth 10 points in the grade book and can be made up at home if you are absent. You must only bring a note saying that you read for ½ hour signed by a parent, guardian, or teacher.
Use of Technology
I am a huge proponent of the school’s cell phone use policy. I have witnessed the good that can come from the ability to access information, or to communicate with parents. That being said, if I believe that you are abusing the use of the cell phone I will take it and you can retrieve it at the end of the period. If it happens twice you can retrieve it at the end of the day, the third time the phone goes to the office, and you will have to deal with them to retrieve it. Abuse includes playing games, texting or viewing inappropriate sites or pictures.
Rules and Expectations
BE PROMPT
BE PREPARED
BE ON TASK
BE COURTEOUS and RESPECTFUL
BE OPEN, HONEST, and ORIGINAL