This module will introduce you to the main subgenres of science fiction texts and films, such as cyberpunk, hard science fiction and space opera among others. You will be invited to consider the continuities and differences between the subgenres studied on this module and beyond as a way to consider the difficulties in defining science fiction. The module will also introduce you to the core critical and theoretical concepts and contexts that have shaped science fiction through its stages. The module will thus allow you to understand and critically assess the ways in which this genre addresses issues pertaining to power, violence, science, knowledge, class, gender, sexuality, race, imperialism, colonialism, technology, the environment and sustainability, posthumanism and humanism and offer an impetus for change. As such, the module will get you to theoretically and critically analyse the ways in which science fiction engages with its contemporary world and theoretical discourses. The module will seek to introduce you to less well-known works of science fiction from around the world, which will be contextualised against canonical, traditional texts and film introduced in class.