Klingons will take over a communications class on popular culture at DePaul University on Oct. 7 when the would-be warriors of "Star Trek" fame lecture students on fan culture.

The aliens hail from Chicago’s local chapter of Klingon Armada International. In addition to talking to students about fame, stardom and fans, the Klingons will compare the culture of Earthlings to that of Klingons. One of the guest lecturers will arrive looking more like an Earthling and be transformed into a Klingon using makeup and costuming.

The local Klingon chapter is headed by Commander Evelyn Hampton and is comprised of adults from all walks of life, ages and professions, according to Kate Kane, the assistant professor of communications who normally instructs the class. Klingon sightings take place frequently in Chicago at numerous charitable events, where members donate time and effort to fundraising.

The friendly Klingons have been accepting Kane’s invitation to speak to her class on culture and media for the past five years. The class provides students with an introduction to media history, theory and criticism..