{ Course Topics and Descriptions }
Disc 1 - Science Fiction
1. “Other Worlds” (Science Fiction vs. Fantasy)
What defines the genres and how do they differ from each other? An overview of the course and the basic rules of speculative fiction.
2. “Knot My Type” (Types and Categories)
The sub-genres of science fiction can be categorized by three defining principles: Humanity, Ideas and Technology.
3. “Frankenstein’s Monsters” (The Roots of SF)
Frankenstein is widely considered the first SF story. In this lesson we go back to the roots of the genre to examine how and why it came into being.
4. “The Golden Age of Atheism” (The Golden Age)
Science, atheism and storytelling. SF has been shaped by a long list of humanist writers with a distinct worldview.
5. “Bug -Eyed Monsters” (SF in Hollywood)
How Hollywood treats SF, both historically and today.
6. “A New Creation Myth” (SF Mythology)
The impact of Darwinism on stories. Science Fiction as a way of placing mankind in time.
7. “Heaven on Earth” (SF Heaven)
Utopias and dystopias. Humanism’s need for hope is expressed in many of Science Fiction’s favorite story cliches, but refuted by reality.
8. “Unidentified Flying Otherness” (SF Gods)
Science Fiction’s love affair with aliens and UFOs is an expression of our human need for otherness - the desire for there to be something “out there.” If God is out there, Science Fiction isn’t a problem.
9. “Ancient Worlds” (The deep roots of Fantasy)
Myths, stories of the unknown, fairytales and children’s stories are all rooted in fantastic literature.
10. “Through the Looking Glass” (Types of Fantasy)
Fantasy as a reflection of reality. A brief look at Fantasy’s sub-genres: High and Low Fantasy, Superheroic, Allegory, Animal Fantasy.
11. “Dark Worlds” (Horror and Fantasy)
Navigating dark waters without getting wet. The effect of Dark Fantasy on the genre, and on readers.
12. “Swords & Sandals” (Early & Movie Fantasy)
Pulp fiction during the Industrial age. Fantasy grows up on the silver screen.
13. “The Pagan Journey” (Pagan Fantasy)
The current trend in Fantasy literature is towards paganism. Where does the trend begin and end, and how does it depart from reality? Why should we care?
14. “Divine Worlds” (Truth in Fantasy)
Masters of Fantasy who used the genre to speak Truth to their cultures. Christianity is a springboard for the imaginative creation of other worlds, which are possible because christianity sees otherness in reality.
The potential of fantasy to inspire.
Disc 3 - Writing Science Fiction & Fantasy
15. “World Building” (World building)
What makes a world other-than? Aspects of a world that are shaped by otherness.
16. “The Price of Otherness” (Supernatural vs. technology)
The defining question you must answer before you write your novel.
17. “Uncommon Heroes” (Genre heroes)
The mistake of royalty. How and why you should pick a hero from the masses. How is the hero impacted by otherness?
18. “Sharpening Knaves” (Villains)
The ideas that make good villains: villains as part of the
price of otherness, and as reflections of another world.
19. “Alien Races” (Creatures, monsters & alien races)
Fitting your characters and creations to the otherness of your world.
20. “Revealing Truth” (Progressive Revelation)
What to reveal when: how to make Truth come through your story.
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An expansion module for the 
The Other Map
Set of Instructional DVDs 
* Writing tools and printable forms
He has received numerous writing awards, including the 2005 Ben Franklin Award for Best New Voice in Children’s Literature for his novel, 