Science Fiction

1
Science Fiction

• Genre and Subgenres

2
Definition of Science Fiction

• Science fiction is not predictive it is
  descriptive (Ursula K. LeGuin).
• Science fiction is difficult to define because it
  includes so many subgenres and themes.

3
Hard Science Fiction

• Stories featuring believable scientists or
  scientific information
• Scientific elements are plausible

4
Soft Science Fiction

• Stories emphasize the possible outcomes of
  current social and psychological elements of
  society

5
Alternate History

• Stories that are set in worlds in which one or
  more historical events unfolds differently than
  it did in the real world.

6
Cyberpunk

• A postmodern science fiction genre noted for its
  focus on "high tech and low life. It features
  advanced science, such as information technology
  and cybernetics, coupled with a degree of
  breakdown or radical change in the social order.

7
Utopia/Dystopia

• Utopiastories in which a nearly perfect society
  exists.
• Dystopiastories in which society seems perfect
  BUT has major issues.

8
Fantastic Voyage/Aliens

• Stories where the heroes travel to unknown
  regions, encountering strange inhabitants.

9
Space Opera

• Stories with outer space and other planets and
  galactic wars or strife at the center of the
  action. These seem a lot like daytime soap
  operas.

10

• Please provide examples and explanations for each
  subgenre of science fiction. Thanks!