If you’re looking for a nice English class, look no further than the Pre-History of Science Fiction with Alan Stewart.

Ah, class registration time. The perfect time of year to decide classes. Last year, around this time, I declared my English minor and I knew I wanted an interesting class. I ended up taking an 8:10 a.m. Tuesday class that became the highlight of my week—it was the only thing that reliably got me out of bed, regardless of what else I had going on.

While 8:10 is early, trust me, it’s worth it. This once-a-week class requires you to read a book (or short story) every week. Fear not, however, as the books are actually intriguing. You can read classics such as Frankenstein, The Man in the Moon, or Micromegas. You’ll need to present on one reading, propose and present a final project or paper, and, of course, attend the class. I chose to write a paper, but some classmates opted for creative projects.

What made this class truly unique was Professor Stewart’s teaching style. He not only lectured us a little bit, but he also tried to learn from what we had to say. If you’re interested in science fiction and love exploring deeper themes, this is the course for you. The class drew students from various majors and years, yet everyone shared an excitement for the material. Each week, we explored not only fiction but also the historical context and scientific evolution influencing each work.

So, if you are at all interested in science fiction, take this class. He’s considerate, attentive to our diverse backgrounds, and genuinely invested in our success. Even when a student’s (my) interpretation was a bit off, he guided them (me) to the core of their (my) idea. I’ve never had a bad English class, but he’s certainly one of the best. Take his class, you won’t regret it.

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