"Hailing frequencies open": Communication in Star Trek: The Next Generation

by Thomas D. Parham III, Donald E. Palumbo (Editor), C.W. Sullivan III (Editor)

Overview

Star Trek: The Next Generation blended speculative science fiction and space opera in its portrayal of communication. Multiple modes of communication used between characters are presented and the multilevel tapestry of communication in the series is critical in its appeal.

This book proposes that these patterns of communication reveal a foundational philosophy of Star Trek (while enticing millions of viewers). These patterns serve both to cause strong empathetic connections with characters and to impel viewers to form relationships with the show, explaining their extreme devotion.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781476676685
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date:	07/29/2019
Series:	Critical Explorations in Science Fiction and Fantasy , #67
Pages:	205
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.42(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Thomas D. Parham, III is executive director of screenwriting at Azusa Pacific University in Los Angeles County and a Writers Guild of America member with produced television credits.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction
Launching The Next Generation
The Twin Strains of Sci Fi
One—Background
Science Fiction from Shelley to Star Wars
Growth of a Genre
Star Trek’s Generations
The New Voyages
Contextual Communication Theories
Two—The Intrapersonal Context
Data and Symbolic Interactionism
Gender Differences, Worf and Troi
Character Realization with Picard, Riker, Crusher and La Forge
Summary
Three—The Interpersonal Context
The ­Parent-Child Dyad
The ­Mentor-Protégé Dyad
The Friendship Dyad
The Romance Dyad
Summary
Four—The Group and Organizational Contexts
The Enterprise Command Crew as a Group
Starfleet as an Organization
Summary
Five—The Mass Communication Context, Part I
Intrapersonal Issues: Philosophy of The Next Generation
Interpersonal Issues: Parasocial Interactions
Six—The Mass Communication Context, Part II
Group/Organizational Issues: Fans and Texts
Seven—Next Frontiers for Communication Contexts
Intrapersonal Issues on Star Trek: Discovery—Michael Burnham and the Four Loves
Interpersonal Issues on Star Trek: Voyager
Group/Organizational Issues on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine—Organizational Dissent and the Maquis
Audience/Artifact Relationship with Star Trek: Enterprise—Reception Theory
Summary
Conclusion
Expanding the Universe
Trek Tech
The True Legacy
“The sky’s the limit”
Appendix A: List of Star Trek: The Next Generation Episodes
Appendix B: Research Instrument for Star Trek Survey
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index