Sci-fi Meeting Series

We begin with one of the earliest works of modern science fiction. Wells, often called the “father of science fiction,” uses cosmic catastrophe to explore human fragility at the dawn of the genre. This story represents the proto–sci-fi era, when imagination and science speculation first merged.

Possible Discussion Questions:

• How does Wells’ vision of cosmic disaster reflect the late 19th century’s understanding of astronomy and science?

• What does the story suggest about human arrogance or indifference in the face of nature’s power?

• How might we read this story differently today, with our awareness of climate change and global catastrophe?

Jumping into the Golden Age of Science Fiction, Asimov blends hard science with philosophical wonder. His story about entropy and the ultimate fate of the universe showcases the era’s fascination with technology, logic, and humanity’s place in the cosmos.

Possible Discussion Questions:

• Asimov’s story spans billions of years—what does this cosmic scale add to the narrative?

• How does the story reflect the optimism and anxieties of the 1950s technological era?

• What do you think Asimov is saying about the relationship between humans, machines, and knowledge?

Vonnegut’s darkly satirical tale belongs to the postwar “New Wave” era, when authors pushed boundaries of tone and style. A critique of overpopulation and bureaucratic cruelty, it reflects the period’s blending of social commentary with speculative imagination.

Possible Discussion Questions:

• Vonnegut uses satire to explore overpopulation—what makes humor effective (or not) in tackling dark topics?

• What critiques of bureaucracy and social control do you see in this story?

• How does this story fit within the cultural tensions of the early 1960s?

A classic of the feminist and anthropological turn in sci-fi, Le Guin’s story challenges conventions by centering empathy, ecology, and psychology. Her voice brought new depth to the genre, foregrounding diverse perspectives and marginalized experiences.

Possible Discussion Questions:

• How does Le Guin weave psychology and empathy into a story about exploration and alien life?

• In what ways is this story feminist—or at least a departure from the male-centered sci-fi of earlier eras?

• Do you see connections between the ecological themes here and today’s environmental concerns?

As we enter the cyberpunk era, Gibson reimagines sci-fi through noir style, globalized corporations, and digital frontiers. His sharp, urban storytelling set the tone for late 20th-century visions of technology and power.

Possible Discussion Questions:

• Gibson helped define cyberpunk—what elements of his style stand out as uniquely “cyberpunk”?

• How does the story portray corporations and globalization, and how relevant does it feel today?

• What does the noir tone (crime, betrayal, moral ambiguity) add to the science fiction setting?

We’ll end the semester with a contemporary voice from China, where sci-fi has flourished into new global directions. Liu blends hard science with poetic imagination, reflecting a modern, international perspective on the relationship between technology, art, and humanity’s future.

Possible Discussion Questions:

• How does Liu blend hard science with art and imagination in this story?

• In what ways does this story represent a distinctly Chinese or global perspective compared to earlier Western authors?

• What do you think the story suggests about the future of creativity in an age of advanced technology?