Fiction, science and the public
About
This research theme investigates the intersections between fiction, science and the public, where 'fiction' includes fictional stories told through film, television, radio, theatre, novels, short stories, comics and computer games.
Since the time that Mary Shelley first published the story of the monster that plagued her dreams, many creatives have imagined worlds of scientific advancements.
From tremendous wars across galaxies to robots with feelings, the representation of science in fiction has the power to inspire or caution against the developments and technologies in the modern (and future) world.
Our research investigates:
- How does fiction influence public attitudes to scientists or science-related controversies?
- How do people respond to the science they encounter in fiction?
- How can fiction be used in the classroom to teach science?
- How are the social, political, cultural or economic aspects of science represented through
- fiction?
- How can narrative structures increase a message’s persuasiveness or interest to particular
- audiences?
- How can we best read fiction as a public response to science or technology?
Relevant CPAS courses are:
Undergraduate
Postgraduate
Students also undertake research in this theme for undergraduate coursework, postgraduate coursework and higher degrees by research.
Projects
Members
Collaborator
Honours researcher
Honours Graduate