Introduction to Temporal Mechanics: Assignments
Written by Dan Carlson
Required Reading
I highly recommend reading these works, if you have the time. (Pun not intended!)
Syllabus
- Stardate 53260.3 - Test on Important Terms. Be prepared to identify and explain several types of temporal phenomena.
- Stardate 53276.8 - Complete reading of The Logic Of Time Travel and Temporal Situations
- Stardate 53287.7 - First essay assignment due (see below)
- Stardate 53309.2 - Finish reading The Time Machine and The End of Eternity
- Stardate 53317.8 - Second essay assignment due
- Stardate 53334.3 - Test on course readings
- Stardate 53352.8 - Complete review of Captain’s Logs
- Stardate 53356.2 - Third essay assignment due
- Stardate 53378.1 - Final Exam
Essay Assignments
- Assignment #1: Create a temporal incursion scenario involving two of the concepts and two temporal phenomena listed on the “Important Terms” page. Thoroughly explain the progression of events and their effects.
-
Assignment #2: Choose one of the incidents from The End of Eternity listed below. Describe what type of temporal incursion the incident represents, and postulate a theory as to how the situation began.
- The origins of Eternity
- Harlan’s encounter with himself (Chapters 9 & 10)
- The possibility of reversing a change in the timeline (Chapter 15)
- The concept that time possesses a quality of “inertia”
-
Assignment #3: By this time, you should be familiar with an officer’s obligations when encountering temporal phenomena. Select a temporal incursion from the Captain’s Logs, and discuss one of the following:
- How the incursion could have been avoided. Consider the captain’s position at that time, and avoid hindsight. Interpret the situation based on the information available when the incursion began.
- How the captain could have better minimized the damage to the timeline. Do not simply agree with the officer’s handling of the incident.
Return to Top
This page was last modified on Wednesday, January 26, 2011.
