How Science Fiction, Superheroes, and Pop Culture Imagine the Future

Description

Science fiction often speculates about technology and what could become real. The space travel, robots, and mobile phones featured decades ago in Star Wars are now familiar to us. Similarly, superheroes reflect our wonderings about what humans can do—be stronger, faster, powerful enough to save the world from evil-doers. In this interactive course, physicist Michael Dennin explores what science fictions are most likely to come to life. Can you imagine technologies and capabilities that are not yet real but could become so? The instructor will "talk science" about these possibilities. Try to stump him—bonus points for you if he can't come up with explanations for your examples or imaginings. No knowledge of superheroes or science fiction is necessary—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to ask what is possible, or not.

This is a two-part course through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Sessions will be held on Aug. 8 and 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. on Zoom. A link will be sent to registered participants on Aug. 7.

Michael Dennin has been professor of physics and astronomy at the University of California, Irvine, since 1997, and is now the vice provost for teaching and learning and dean of the division of undergraduate education. An award-winning teacher and researcher, he studies the dynamics of foams and institutional issues in education and is a fellow of the American Physical Society. He has a passion for public outreach in the area of science, appearing on TV and YouTube and is the author of Divine Science: Finding Reason at the Heart of Faith.