American science fiction and society

Issues such as discrimination, race, gender, inequality and the distribution of power are long-running themes in North American literature. Rather than address these issues head-on however, some others explore them through the prism of dystopian and utopian futures, time travel and alternate realities. We will explore and consider some influential works of fiction from the 1970s and 1980s that take this approach to chronicling and critiquing American society.

Biographical information:

Helen Cox holds an MA in Literature and Creative Writing from the University of York St John. She has been published widely in journalism, non fiction and had her first two novels published with HarperCollins. Helen also trained at the Institute of Education and has taught creative writing for several years. Her previous speaking engagements include guest lecturing at City University and The N21 Film Festival. She has also been invited to speak on numerous radio programmes including BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour.