Speculative Fiction from around the World
Summer Institute for k-12 Teachers
June 21 - 23, 2023
Speculative fiction includes a wide range of genres: science fiction, fantasy, African- and AfroFuturism, dystopian fiction, climate fiction, and more. All of these genres use different forms of world-building to deeply engage with current issues and explore possible futures. By asking the question, "What if...?" authors invite readers to confront our hopes and fears and imagine better worlds.
To what extent do these "What if...?" questions reflect universal human concerns? In what ways are they windows into the cultural contexts of specific authors?
This ORIAS summer institute will feature short works from around the world. Participants will read, view, and analyze short works from a variety of regions, using speculative fiction as a lens to understand and contextualize current issues in the real world. We'll explore the role of speculative fiction in helping students develop cultural literacy and experiment with teaching methods that encourage creative engagement with works of fiction.
This institute is open to k-12 teachers across disciplines. Content will be appropriate for students age 12+; reading level will vary.
This FREE program will take place in person. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited to 24 people on a first-come, first-served basis.
Professional development credit is available upon request during registration process. Teachers who attend for credit will be expected to build/submit a lesson plan featuring one or more of the texts used in the program.