Science Fiction University

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SCIENCE FICTION UNIVERSITY: Kristine Nielsen on Astrobiology

Welcome to our infrequent, but well-intentioned “Science Fiction University” feature, in which we attempt to explain, expound, enlighten, and just generally explore the ideas surrounding SF. This is the first SFU to be in the form of an interview, but given the level of scientific content, I figured it was appropriate.

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Republibot 2.0's picture

Lost and C. S. Lewis: Connections on the Fringe

After reading the following essay, I can imagine Charlie sitting up in bed and yelling "Eureka!", and then realizing that he was yelling the title to the wrong TV show, yelling "Lost and Fringe!  And Jack Lewis!"

We have all the elements to a great story here- a long forgotten text, a mysterious TV show and a college professor trying to find THE TRUTH.  Too bad we have no budget to hire Tom Hanks.

In this case, though, we do have Dr. Starr's latest Lost essay.  Enjoy!

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Charlie W. Starr's picture

SCIENCE FICTION UNIVERSITY:Truth from Twilight

Yes. Twilight is not Science Fiction.

However, in this short essay before Science Fiction University goes on Winter Break, we'll use this brief foray into fantasy to illustrate an aspect of heroism that has been shoved aside lately:the concept of the Chaste Hero.

Is this important? It may be more important than you think...

Here is Dr. Starr, after the jump.

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Charlie W. Starr's picture

SCIENCE FICTION UNIVERSITY:And The Geek Shall Inherit The Earth

Does the current rise in shows about Geeks and Geek Culture (like Big Bang Theory, Chuck, etc.) signal something more theological than we thought?

Well, maybe and maybe not... but Dr. Starr is going to dive in anyway!

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Charlie W. Starr's picture

SCIENCE FICTION UNIVERSITY:Signs and C. S. Lewis: The Meaning of Meaning, How Hobbits are Real, and the Value of Film

Since it came up last week, I selected an essay about Meaning to see if we can delve a little deeper into the idea.

This first appeared in in CSL: The Bulletin of the New York C.S. Lewis Society. ed. Robert Trexler. New York: The New York C.S. Lewis Society, May 2005.

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Charlie W. Starr's picture

SCIENCE FICTION UNIVERSITY:The Punk-Gothic Vision: From Blade Runner to Batman and Robin

For this morning's lecture, Dr. Starr looks at what he's termed "Punk-Gothic" film... which reminds me of my favorite bumper sticker of late:

If you're so Goth, where were you when we were sacking Byzantium?

Which has nothing at all to do with today's edition of Science Fiction University. Join the good Doctor after the jump!

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Charlie W. Starr's picture

SCIENCE FICTION UNIVERSITY:Staying Lost

Today's Lesson in the Science Fiction University Classroom is a quick course in "Lost" appreciation. Though he only covers a couple of seasons, it's thought provoking... let the discussion begin!

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Charlie W. Starr's picture

SCIENCE FICTION UNIVERSITY:The Silver Chair and the Silver Screen: C. S. Lewis on Myth, Fairy-Tale and Film

This Week, Doctor Starr takes a bit more of a speculative turn, as he looks at C.S. Lewis' views on myth and film

So without further ado- click on the link below to join the class!

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Charlie W. Starr's picture

SCIENCE FICTION UNIVERSITY: Galactica’s Gods Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Cylon God

This week on SFU, Dr. Starr covers the thorny problem of the Cylon god.. Join Charlie as he boldly goes where Seraphs fear to tread....

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Charlie W. Starr's picture

SCIENCE FICTION UNIVERSITY:Broken Halos: Science, Religion, and Ethics in Halo

This week, Dr. Starr goes boldly where angels fear to tread. But don't be concerned, he has Spartan armor and the shotgun....

(This has to be a first- a scholarly look at religion in an X-Box game....)

Read On!

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