How Does Sci Fi Reflect Our World Back to Us?
How do the storie we have read help us to evaluate the impact of technologies and scientific discoveries on the contemporary world? In a three-part essay of approximately 750 to 1000 words, please complete the following tasks in a way that comes together into a coherent essay. There’s no need for introductory and concluding paragraphs. Just jump in and write a thoughtful analysis based on these three steps:
Whether you do it in three long paragraphs, make sure your essay follows these three steps—and only these three—precisely. Also, make sure your essay is between 750 and 1,000 words, follows MLA style, and cites your source.
- Select ONE (1) of the stories we have read this semester. In the first section of your essay, select an important “sci fi” element of your story and explain what role this piece of technology, scientific concept or process plays in the story. What’s it all about, how does it work, what does it do, and how does it impact the plot and the experiences of the protagonist? In short, what role does it play in the world of the story, and what is significant about that?
- Next, analyze how the fictional scientific element you discussed in part 1 reflects on the real world. What scientific, moral, ethical, political or practical issues does that Sci Fi element bring up about our own society or history? What insights does this story offer about the role that science and technology are playing, or have played, in our world?
- Finally, end your essay by speculating on what you think we are supposed to do about the insights you mentioned in part 2. What effect should this story have on its readers and the world we live in?