Title: Course Introduction
Course: Science Fiction: Dune > Section: Course Intro

First off, WELCOME! I'm glad you're here.

"A beginning is the time for taking the most delicate care that the balances are correct."

I'm going to lay out all of the things you'll need to know to get started and be successful in this class. First, let's talk about the book you'll be reading and how to get it. There will be plenty for you to do as you wait for its arrival.

Option 1: The school sends you a copy of the book in the mail. This requires that you send the book back and pay for return shipping.

Option 2: Get a new copy of the book. Here are some options: Amazon, Barnes & Noble It does not matter if you get a paper copy or an ebook. Whichever you prefer.

Option 3: Get a used copy of the book. There are often copies of this book available at Half Priced Books and other used book stores. Almost every version uses the same page numbers so it doesn't matter which one you get.

Option 4: Check out a copy from the library. It's likely they have copies in stock.

Now that the book access is out of the way let's get down to expectations and how the course is organized.

Communication

Class Announcements Forum: This is where I'll post any relevant announcements that need to go out to the entire class. These announcements are linked from the main page, the Forums page and are emailed out to you automatically.

Apropos of Nothing Forum: Designated for off-topic comments/links of interest

HELP! Forum: If you are lost and need help in any particular area you can find/receive help here. Asking those questions in a forum will help others who may have the same questions.

Course Layout

Course Info/Introduction - Learn a bit about this course and how to navigate through your assignments.

I prefer that you submit your written work in some type of online format either by copying/pasting your text into your submission or by sharing/pasting a link to your Google Doc in the submission. Remember, if you try to type a longer submission into your assignments and get timed out of the site your submission will not be saved! Type your responses on your computer or in Google Docs first, then copy/paste to class. (I know that's redundant, but it's a valuable warning.)

Course Expectations

Click here to view a Course Syllabus that contains Software/Hardware expectations as well as the grading policy.

The Role of Science Fiction: It's worth taking a moment now to consider the role Science Fiction and it's authors play in society. It won't take long, but it will help to put things in proper context.

Please fill out this brief intro quiz to verify that you have read and understood the course layout and expectations.