Clayton Gutzmore/Staff Writer
Science fiction is a genre of literature that allows authors to write about distant futures and triumphs in modern science.
The University’s School of Environments, Arts and Society decided to host “Lunar Voyages: the novel after Newton,” a lecture that gathers individuals with an interest in Science fiction.
This event is part of the Eat, Think and Be Merry lecture series which began spring 2012, according to Elaine Pritzker, coordinator of SEAS.
As all other events from this series, this lecture will be held on Tuesday, March 4 at the Luna Star Cafe, on the Northeast side of 125 street in North Miami.
The Lunar Voyage is a fictional narrative made by writers of the 17th and 18th century that were inspired by Isaac Newton’s work.
Pritzker and SEAS selected Jason Pearl, assistant professor in the Department of English, whose book on the subject is set to release in the fall, to speak at the event.
“Important science was done in fiction,” said Pearl. He said that his lecture will focus on how science and literature overlap.
“Great literature was heavily influenced by science,” said Pearl. “The two categories were not always so separate as they are today.”
“Great literature was heavily influenced by science,” said Pearl. “The two categories were not always so separate as they are today.”
According to Pritzker, the lecture series is modeled after the National Science Foundation science cafes that were held across the country.
These science cafes featured engaging conversations between scientists and academics and the community.
SEAS has received grants from the National Science Foundation through Dr. Deron Burkepile, assistant professor in the marine sciences program at Biscayne Bay Campus.
SEAS has hosted similar events in the pass. They have conducted speakings across Dade and Monroe counties with topics on sustainability, ocean life in Key Largo and they have one on the horizon about alternative energy.
Pritzker and Pearl are both excited for the conversation that will be started from the lecture. For Pritzker, this is the first year that a speaker from the english facility will lead at Luna Star Cafe.
“As an interdisciplinary school — we house biological sciences, earth and environment, english, and liberal studies — we are always looking for opportunities to have discussions that touch upon this intersection of arts and sciences,” said Pritzker.
“A lot of our regulars are looking forward to this conversation.”
“I think people will be surprised to learn there’s a rich tradition of imaginative literature about voyages to the moon long before that was actually possible,” said Pearl.
For Pearl, he is excited to talk about old literature that the audience probably does not know about.
“I think people will be surprised to learn there’s a rich tradition of imaginative literature about voyages to the moon long before that was actually possible,” said Pearl.
“These narratives are strange and fascinating. It’s science fiction long before that term was invented.”
– clayton.gutzmore@fiusm.com
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