From the 1930s through the 1970s, male authors writing for an audience primarily composed of boys and men dominated the science fiction scene. But women writers have long been interested in science fiction as well, especially in combination with such related literary forms as fantasy, horror, and alternative history—generic hybrids now known as speculative fiction. Women writing in these mixed genres often found ways to subvert cultural norms, definitions, and expectations. In this Zoom class, we will read and discuss science fiction short stories written by women during these breakthrough decades. We will discuss 2-3 short stories each week, moving chronologically, but emphasizing the earlier decades, which are considered the “classic years” of science fiction. The stories we will read are very different from one another, some more scientific and others more fantastic, but all exhibit bold imagination and frequently surprise the reader. They are sure to evoke lively discussion. CLASS SESSIONS Introductions and preview of the course. (No reading assignment) 1930-1950: Early female forays into science fiction Learning the game: Women leave their mark “Science” v. “fiction”: Women create worlds The 1970s and beyond REQUIRED READING Selected short stories from the anthology Women of Wonder: The Classic Years, ed. Pamela Sargent. Inexpensive used copies of this paperback are available from a variety of internet booksellers. Contact Nancy Metz (nancy.metz@vt.edu) if you have difficulty ordering the book. INSTRUCTOR(S) Karen Swenson recently retired from Virginia Tech, where she taught medieval studies, Shakespeare, and science fiction.