Science Fiction & Fantasy

Natalie Deppe & Taylor WhaleyFerris State University

Science Fiction: What is it?

▪ Fictional stories that tell about futuristic science & technology. (SF or Sci-Fi)

▪ Characteristics:

- Based on theories of science

- Science gone “wrong”

- Human element

- Should not be unbelievable

Science Fiction Settings

▪ Future

▪ Space

▪ Different World

▪ Different Universe

Science Fiction Plots

▪ The effect of new discoveries

▪ Different from present day or past

▪ “Solutions” for present day problems

▪ Action-packed

▪ “What if…?”

Science Fiction Theme

▪ Good vs. Evil

▪ Science/Technology & their impact

▪ Heroism

Fantasy: What is it?

▪ A fictional genre that has unrealistic elements.

▪ Characteristics:

- Talking Animals

- Magic

- Medieval Universe

- Mythical Creatures

Fantasy Settings

▪ A different universe

▪ Mythical world

▪ Same world but inexplicable things happen

▪ Quasi-Historical

Fantasy Plots

▪ A quest or voyage and the return

▪ Overcoming a monster or something evil

▪ Rags to Riches

Fantasy Themes

▪ Adventure/Quest

▪ Heroism

▪ Good vs. Evil

Science Fiction & Fantasy

▪ So, what’s the difference?

▪ Sci-Fi might be possible

▪ Fantasy is not possible

Why should I read it?

▪ It makes you think!

▪ Escape reality

▪ It’s fun & entertaining!

Genre In The Classroom

▪ Promotes creativity & imagination

▪ Critical thinking

▪ Independent thinking

▪ Encourages reading

Taylor’s Favorites

▪ Harry Potter by JK Rowling (Fantasy)

Taylor’s Favorites

▪ The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (SF)

▪ Divergent by Veronica Roth (SF)

Nat’s Favorites

▪ Zathura by Chris Van Allsburg (SF)

▪ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (SF)

Nat’s Favorites

▪ Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

Sources

▪ goodreads.com

▪ readwritethink.org

▪ scholastic.com

▪ Eastern Illinois University: www.ux1.eiu.edu/~cfder/GenreCharacteristicsChart.pdf