Introduction 

Even after conceding defeat on locating rare, purple-eyed, silicon-based Komodo dragons, and electing, instead, to be satisfied with seeking out blue cryohydras, it is useful to document one's adventures. In Science Fiction Writing, we will learn to do so. This course will teleport beginning writers from the safety of their doubts to the nether regions of emerging storytelling skills. Along the way, we will: nosh intergalactic, glatt kosher, rule burgers; sample texts, which might be succinct, problematic, or heavily discounted, but which are certainly found on the known electromagnetic spectrum; and learn to generate remarks that can be considered intelligent (in at least three star systems), given those assemblages’ ability to stand as science fiction works in progress or as critiques of such works.

Goals

Unless tasered by shimmery, red-eared, two-headed waterboos or by their three legged, finned, liquid mercury-based alabaster consorts, students ought to leave this course being able to:

• identify and remark intelligently about rudimentary concepts in fiction, in general, in science fiction, more specifically, in Jewish fiction, also more specifically, and in Jewish science fiction, most specifically.
• discern among subgenres and styles of science fiction.
• articulate what makes a work of fiction “Jewish,” per se.
• brainstorm topics that are suitable for Jewish science fiction.
• draw upon their new collection of partially developed plots, characters, settings, perspectives, themes, and snatches of dialogue.
• cherish rewriting as an ontological gift to authors, bestowed upon us by none other than the gilded cockamamie foo-foo (keeper of prestigious publishing gateways and sometimes friend of select government administrations).
• know how to offer meaningful feedback to other emerging writers, i.e. to create responses that are helpful and devoid of emotional missiles.
• point, proudly, to a piece of their own speculative fiction, which was honed in this workshop.
• understand that writing is a process that takes much time and effort.
• crave chocolate, rum, and additional writing courses.

Outline

This is a 12 week workshop, 2 hours each session.

Week 1: Rudimentary Concepts in Fiction, Jewish Fiction, and Science Fiction

Week 2: Plot in Jewish Science Fiction

Week 3: Character Development in Jewish Science Fiction

Week 4: Setting in Jewish Science Fiction

Week 5: Point of View in Jewish Science Fiction

Week 6: Theme in Jewish Science Fiction

Week 7: Dialogue in Jewish Science Fiction

Week 8: The Beauty of Rewriting, Part I

Week 9: The Beauty of Rewriting, Part II

Week 10: The Art of Critiquing

Week 11: Writers’ Workshop, Part I

Week 12: Writers’ Workshop, Part II

Homework will include reading and writing activities. Class time will include lectures, discussions, and additional exercises.

Fees: $250

Dates