Speculative Fiction, Social Commentary, and Imaginative Exploration
Grades 9-10

Course Description:
Step into the world of speculative science fiction with H.G. Wells’ groundbreaking novella, The Time Machine. In this four-week course, students will travel through Wells’ vivid vision of humanity’s distant future, exploring profound questions about technology, society, and the human condition.

Through engaging discussions, close reading, and creative projects, students will delve into key themes such as technological progress, social evolution, and moral responsibility. Each session connects Wells’ imaginative world with modern-day issues, encouraging students to think critically about where humanity has been — and where it might be headed. Along the way, students will sharpen their literary analysis skills and stretch their creative abilities by designing, debating, and crafting their own visions of the future.

Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Analyze key themes, characters, and symbols in The Time Machine

• Discuss the impact of scientific advancement on society and human nature

• Draw connections between Wells’ futuristic vision and contemporary issues in science and technology

• Develop creative and critical responses to speculative fiction through writing and art

• Strengthen close reading, inferencing, and analytical discussion skills

Course Includes:

• Weekly 60-minute live sessions (small group, discussion-driven)

• Guided Close Readings of The Time Machine (Chapters 1–12)

• Thematic Discussions (Science, Society, Innovation, Human Nature)

• Creative Projects (Time Machine Designs, Future Society Imaginations)

• Reflective Journaling and Critical Debates

• Final Creative Project: Short Story or Visual Art Piece Inspired by Wells

Materials Needed:

• A hard-copy of The Time Machine by H.G. Wells

• Notebook or journal for reflections and notes

• Basic art supplies for creative project work