World-factory

SF-worlds building and reconstructing in the classroom

Abstract

„In imaginative literature such as science fiction, authors have the unique opportunity to build new worlds. These worlds are, by definition, fantastical departures from the worlds in which the authors and readers find themselves. However, the departure is not total. These fictional worlds do not exist in isolation, in the cold, dead vacuum of space. They are, rather, satellites orbiting our own world” (Sanchez 2014: 2). The present paper has the following four aims. First, to discuss some relevant issues concerning the genre of SF. Second, to provide a concise overview of the theory and practice of world building in narrative fiction. Third, to relate the above topics to social philosophy. Fourth, to outline how our world or social reality can be looked at through the lens of pieces of SF, if the pieces of background information referred to above are at our disposal. That is to say, how, by the usage of such means, the reception of SF works can be made into enriching
experience. What is more, the latter task is carried out with the needs and training possibilities of 15- and 16-year-old high school students in mind. It is hoped that the suggested points of debate will prove to be not only workable discussion prompts but also practical teaching aids for Hungarian language and literature teachers fostering enjoyable and educational classroom sessions..