From my early beginnings as a young introvert, the public library has always been a bit of a refuge. Years later, not much has changed, albeit with an additional affinity for endless hours spent scouring second-hand bookstores to add to my ever-growing “to-read” pile.
From one bookworm to another, this column will be underscoring and outlining various literary genres, authors, and recent reads and can serve as an introduction for those unfamiliar with these works, as a refresher for long-time aficionados, and maybe as an inspiration for readers to share their own suggested topics. Do you have a topic that you would like covered in this column? Feel free to contact me for an interview and a feature in an upcoming column.
Who
This week’s column focuses on science fiction writer Isaac Asimov.
In particular, Asimov was a US “author and biochemist, a highly successful and prolific writer of science fiction and of science books for the layperson.”
He was born on January 2, 1920, in Petrovichi, Russia and died April 6, 1992, in New York, New York.
What
Some of Asimov’s well-known works include Foundation, I, Robot, and Bicentennial Man. He is also known for his series, such as the Greater Foundation series and The Robot series.
In addition to his fiction novels, novellas, and short stories, Asimov was also known for his non-fiction essays. A prolific writer, he authored over 500 texts during his lifetime.
A great deal of his works have been turned into popular films and television series.
Where
Many of Asimov’s works take place in distant planets and galaxies.
When
These texts are mainly set in the distant future.
Why
Asimov’s works may appeal to AU students who enjoy predominantly hard science fiction (as well as those who enjoy soft science fiction), and those who enjoy subjects, such as physics, astrophysics, astronomy, and mathematics.
How
AU’s wide range of diverse courses make it easy to study this topic in depth. Courses related to the works of Isaac Asimov are available in a variety of disciplines, including those that may fit into your Degree Works. (Always check with an AU counsellor to see if these particular courses fulfill your personal graduation requirements!)
AU students interested in learning more about this topic may enroll in ENGL 387: Writing Speculative Fiction, a senior-level, three-credit course, which “develops speculative fiction (SF) writing skills through a combination of strategic study and writing activity.” (Please note that this course requires ENGL 381: Creative Writing in Prose and professor approval as prerequisites.)
In addition, students may also consider ASTR 495: Astronomy and Astrophysics Projects I, a senior-level, three-credit course, which “is for students who wish to carry out projects in astronomy and/or astrophysics, or to obtain formal recognition, through this course, of related skills and training they have received on the job by applying them to a new project.” (Note that this course requires “[a]t least 15 credits (at least 9 at the senior level) in astronomy, mathematics, geology, chemistry, or physics, and permission of the Course Coordinator,” as well as a project proposal). Happy reading!