E220: American Science Fiction,
Dr. Michael O'Conner

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Thematic Essay  

You will be responsible for writing a thematic essay for the course, concentrating on one or more of the major themes found in science fiction writing and science fiction film/video. This assignment, including the final draft of the essay along with its prewriting assignments and drafts, is worth 200 points. It should be an essay of major size and scope, ranging from 8 to 12 pages in length. As part of the course, by the final day of class, you will turn in a well-developed college-level essay on a major theme or themes found in science fiction. You will illustrate the fact that this theme is (these themes are) evident throughout science fiction by depicting the theme in multiple works and genres of science fiction.

Some Possible Cultural and Social Issues and
Major Themes to be considered: Sci-Fi Themes

The Writing Schedule (draft sections due throughout the semester):

  • first 250-500 word body section due, based on story or novel (20 pts)- April 11
  • second 250-500 word body section due, based on story or novel (20 pts)- April 16
  • third 250-500 word body section due, based on story or novel or video (20 pts)- April 18
  • fourth 250-500 word body section due, based on story or novel or video (20 pts)- April 23
  • introduction due, including thesis statement and pattern of development sentence (20 pts)- April 25

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    The final paper could also incorporate your assignments on Movie Scene Analyses, making them part of your larger paper.

    In your papers:
    1) no need for a cover page
    2) you should have a Works Cited page

    Works Cited Samples:

    LeGuin, Ursula.  "Nine Lives."  The Ascent of Wonder.  Ed.
         Hartwell and Cramer.  New York:  Tom Doherty Ass., 1994.

    The Day the Earth Stood Still.  Dir. Robert Wise. Perf. Michael
         Renee, Patricia Neal, Hugh Marlow.  20th Century Fox, 1951.

    movie bibliography entries have:
    the title
    the director (Dir.)
    the major performers (Perf.)
    the studio or company
    the date.

    Most of this movie info is readily availabe on the internet. Try the Internet Movie Database as a starting point.

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    Last modified January, 2001. Contact: Dr. Michael O'Conner at moconner@mail.millikin.edu