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, we take a look at the works of notable French, science fiction author Jules Verne.
Verne was born on February 8, 1828, in Nantes, France and died on March 24, 1905, in Amiens, France.
One fun fact about Verne is that he is one of the most translated authors in the world. In total, his works have been translated into over 140 languages. In addition, many of his novels have been adapted into successful films, including Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and Around the World in Eighty Days.
What
Some of Verne’s well-known works include Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Around the World in Eighty Days, and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.
Where
Verne’s works take place in a variety of location, including the Earth, outer space, as well as under the sea.
When
These works are predominantly set in the 19th century.
Why
Verne’s works may be of interest to AU students who enjoy science fiction novels, especially those concerned with both “pro-science tales of exploration” and “the dangers of technology.”
How
AU’s wide range of diverse courses make it easy to study this topic in depth. Courses related to the works of Jules Verne 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 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 as a prerequisite.)
Students may also be interested in ASTRO 205: Universe – The Ultimate Frontier, a junior-level, three-credit course, which “describe[s] the Universe as we now understand it.” (This course does not have any prerequisites.) Happy reading!