Science Fiction paper

General Instructions: This final evaluation in Science Fiction requires students to complete a critical essay of a minimum 1000 words on a topic chosen from the list below. The essay must be an original work that analyzes at least two (2) works of science fiction studied during the Fall 2020 semester. Additional works of science fiction not present on the course may also be references if the student so chooses. The assignment has two steps:

STEP 1: Completed Essay (1000 words minimum). Value 40%

The completed essay should develop the argument set up in the introduction by focusing on at least two works of Science Fiction studied during the Fall 2020 semester (plus, optionally, any other works of science fiction the student wishes to reference as well). Be sure to organize the discussion in well-structured body paragraphs (each with a clear topic sentence) and a conclusion that brings the argument to a logical and satisfying close.

You should include brief quotations or paraphrases from the works studied as evidence to back up your argument. Please mention the source of any quotations in the text. You do not need a formal APA/ MLA reference list at the end of the essay, as long as works are clearly cited throughout the text.

Submission Instructions: Upload to LEA Dropbox. If you have any formatting or file issues, copy the file directly into MIO and send to the teacher.

Warning Against Plagiarism: The essay must be your own original work, done on your own without direct copying from the Internet, reference sources, or the work of other students. Essays that contain phrasing identical to other sources without proper acknowledgement of the original source will receive a grade of zero.

Please double-space the completed essay.

TOPICS:

1. We have seen this term how dystopian themes/ ideas about totalitarian or authoritarian societies have appeared in various science fiction works. Choose two or more works from the course and compare how they develop the idea of a dystopian society. Explain how these works inform humanity about the causes and dangers of such societies.

2. Analyze the way in which the subject of artificial intelligence (AI) and/ or genetic engineering (GE) has developed in two or more science fiction works on the course. Why are AI/ GE such common themes in science fiction? What do these themes suggest about the possible consequences of AI/ GE for humanity?

3. Choose two or more science fiction works on the course that deal with themes or issues of human justice (legal rights, equal rights, interaction between citizens/ police/ government authorities, etc.). Why does sci-fi return to such themes time and time again? In what ways does sci-fi deliver messages concerning ideas of justice and the importance of maintaining it?

4. Science fiction often deals with technology – robots, computers, advanced alien technology, etc.), often presenting fears or dangers about technology. Choose two or more works on the course that deal with new or advanced technology. Demonstrate how each work develops ideas about the dangers or problems in technology – whether real or imagined.