Outline of science fiction

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to science fiction:

Science fictiongenre of fiction dealing with the impact of imagined innovations in science or technology, often in a futuristic setting.[1][2][3] Exploring the consequences of such innovations is the traditional purpose of science fiction, making it a "literature of ideas".[4]

Contents

Nature of science fiction

Main article: Science fiction

Science fiction can be described as a type of:

Genres of science fiction

A science fiction genre is a sub-category within the broader context of the science fiction genre as a whole. Science fiction may be divided along any number of overlapping axes. Gary K. Wolfe's Critical Terms for Science Fiction and Fantasy identifies over 30 definitions of SF, not including speculative fiction and science fantasy.

Science

Genres concerning the emphasis, accuracy, and type of science described include:

Characteristics

Themes related to science, technology, space and the future, as well as characteristic plots or settings include:

Movements

Genres concerning politics, philosophy, and identity movements include:

Eras

Genres concerning the historical era of creation and publication include:

Combinations

Genres that combine two different fiction genres or use a different fiction genre's mood or style include:

Related genres

Science fiction by country

History of science fiction

Main article: History of science fiction

Elements of science fiction

Character elements in science fiction

Plot elements in science fiction

Plot devices in science fiction

Setting elements in science fiction

The setting is the environment in which the story takes place. Elements of setting may include culture (and its technologies), period (including the future), place (geography/astronomy), nature (physical laws, etc.), and hour. Setting elements characteristic of science fiction include:

Place

Cultural setting elements

Sex and gender in science fiction

Technology in science fiction

Themes in science fiction

Style elements in science fiction

Works of science fiction

Science fiction art

Science fiction games

Science fiction computer games

Science fiction role-playing games

Science fiction literature

Science fiction novels

Science fiction short stories

Venues for science fiction short stories

Science fiction video

Science fiction radio

Information sources

Science fiction in academia

Science fiction subculture

Science fiction awards

The science fiction genre has a number of recognition awards for authors, editors and illustrators.[6] Awards are usually granted annually.

International awards

Nationality specific awards

Themed awards

New artists / first works

Career awards

Persons influential in science fiction

Creators of science fiction

Science fiction artists

Science fiction film-makers

Creators of science fiction literature

Science fiction scholars

See also

References

  1. ^ "Science fiction - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary". merriam-webster.com. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/science%20fiction. Retrieved 17 July 2010. 
  2. ^ "Definition of science fiction noun from Cambridge Dictionary Online: Free English Dictionary and Thesaurus". dictionary.cambridge.org. http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/science-fiction. Retrieved 17 July 2010. 
  3. ^ "science fiction definition - Dictionary - MSN Encarta". science fiction definition - Dictionary - MSN Encarta. http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/dictionary/DictionaryResults.aspx?lextype=3&search=science%20fiction. Retrieved 17 July 2010. 
  4. ^ Marg Gilks, Paula Fleming, and Moira Allen (2003). "Science Fiction: The Literature of Ideas". WritingWorld.com. http://www.writing-world.com/sf/sf.shtml. 
  5. ^ For example, Patrick Parrinder comments that "[d]efinitions of science fiction are not so much a series of logical approximations to an elusive ideal, as a small, parasitic sub-genre in themselves." Parrinder, Patrick (1980). Science Fiction: Its Criticism and Teaching. London: New Accents. 
  6. ^ http://www.locusmag.com/SFAwards/index.html
  7. ^ SRSFF
  8. ^ srsff.ro
  9. ^ Silver, Steven H. (1 October 2003) "First Annual Norton Awards Presented" SF Site News, last accessed 20 October 2010
  10. ^ Science Fiction & Fantasy Translation Awards, official website

External links