A Sample High School Science Fiction Course

Created by Mary Rose-Shaffer

If you're high school teacher who has always wanted to teach a course in science fiction, but weren't sure where to start, look no further. If you're a student who'd like to take a class on science fiction, tell your instructors about this information.

The documents on this page can be used as exemplars for how to propose and create a high school science fiction class. Mary Rose-Shaffer has generously donated the information she assembled to create such a course.

• The Course Proposal provides an example of one successful proposal to a high school administration for a course in science fiction. It addresses specific goals and state standards for such a course.
• The Course Matrix gives an example of how to organize and present specific, state-related goals that a science fiction class could achieve.
• The Syllabus includes course rationale and objectives, as well as a helpful weekly outline that includes definitions, writing topics, and section overviews. The syllabus utilizes the following textbooks:
  • The Prentice Hall Anthology of SF & F
  • Flights of Fantasy
  • Wells's The Time Machine
  The syllabus also includes references to numerous films and televisions shows that students will recognize.