New Approaches in Teaching History : Using Science Fiction to Introduce Students to New Vistas in Historical Thought Paperback / softback

Science fiction literature and film are an underappreciated source for the teaching of history.

Finding material that can excite a student’s curiosity can be a key towards greater student engagement, especially among students who are taking history as a requirement, rather than from interest.

The discovery that they can read or watch science fiction as part of their classwork often comes as a pleasant surprise.

Beyond its popularity, however, utilizing science fiction for class assignments has certain pedagogical advantages: it introduces students to new vistas in historical thought, helps them learn how literature and film can be applied as a primary source, and can encourage participation in projects that are enjoyable.

Each chapter provides case studies focusing on a different subject in the modern history curriculum and in addition to providing an analysis of specific texts and/or cinematic sources, gives suggestions on assignments for the students.