Much social science has the prediction of the future as its explicit goal. Social scientists often try to achieve this goal by studying historical situations in order to isolate the impact of various factors on outcomes, in the hopes that those impacts can then be extrapolated into the future. Authors of science fiction engage in similar strategies, although their methods are often more speculative and their conclusions more metaphorical. This commonality of orientation and approach forms the impetus for this course. Is social science a form of science fiction? What, if anything, distinguishes imaginative constructions from scientific constructions? Is science fiction a form of social science? Can an engagement with works of science fiction enhance our understanding of political and social relations? These and other related questions will be explored through readings of various texts (including films) of social science and science fiction.

Three important points about this class and this wiki, by way of a negative definition of our enterprise. 1) It is not a “science fiction appreciation” class; it is not a science fiction fan club. While I presume that many of you will probably be fans of the genre, the class is not simply a forum for displaying our fanaticism to one another. 2) It is not primarily a literature class. The artistic merits and literary styles of individual authors and texts may figure into our discussions from time to time, but I do not expect them to be central issues of concern. 3) It is not simply an excuse to read and watch science fiction for credit. This class demands as much—if not more—work than other seminars. Granted, you may find some of the work more enjoyable because of the subject-matter, but that should not distract from the seriousness of the endeavor.

The other pages on this wiki will discuss particular works of social science and science fiction, relating them to our overall theme.