Teaching “Astrosociology”: Science Fiction as Classroom Material for Humanities-Based Hypothetical Discourse of Space Exploration and Development (Updated)

Abstract

This paper will examine applied usages of popular culture works in the classroom for the execution of innovative programmes and will also serve as a progress report on the ongoing course at the Meiji University School of Commerce, titled “Introduction to Astrosociology”, part of the Special Themed Activity Classes (Tokubetsu-teema jissen kamoku). For this purpose I will describe my own lesson plan and ultimately illustrate the importance of not only the usefulness of these works as tools for education, but also the issues which they bring to the mind of the young individual living in our current postmodern age.