NS 310 “Science and Science Fiction” Spring 2008

CLASS PAPER

You are required to write a 1,500-3,500 word paper (this is approximately 6-14 pages double spaced). The quality of the arguments and observations is more important than the word count.

In this paper you should compare and contrast the role and images of science, using class lectures as a guide, in two novels. One novel must be one of those assigned for class (Timescape, The Dispossessed, Red Mars, Ringworld, or Brave New World) and the other must be from an approved list. Alternately, instead of the second novel, you may compare and contrast with three short stories from any of The Year’s Best Science Fiction, edited by Gardener Dozois, collections 1-23 (so you cannot use stories from the assigned volume). You cannot choose a novel from outside the approved list, or stories not found in the Dozois anthologies, and you cannot write your paper on any movie or TV series. You may refer to other novels and to movies and TV series to illustrate a point (e.g., “..this is similar to the maiming of Luke at the end of The Empire Strikes Back, and of Frodo in The Return of the King...”) but they cannot be the main focus of your paper.

Good critical writing takes time, and improves with feedback from others. For this reason the process will involve several steps.

You will form small groups of 4-6 people. These small groups will give each other feedback on each step. The small groups are welcome to meet outside of class, but I will also provide time during class for small groups to meet and discuss. Each member of the small group will provide written feedback to you.

Steps:

(1) Your thesis. This is the point, conclusion, or main idea of your paper. This is not the topic. I will provide examples. This should be no more than one or two sentences.

(2) An outline. Starting from your thesis, you will provide an outline of your main arguments. This should be about ½ - 1 page (no longer) in length.

(3) First draft. Just what it sounds like.

You may make changes between steps. If your small group finds problems with your thesis, you can and should to change it before you go on to your outline. (In this case your outline should highlight your new thesis.)

Grading:

1/3 participation in small groups on three different days: thesis statements; outline; and first draft. (Your participation will be noted by sign-up sheets. If you miss those classes, you must track down groups members on your own and get their comments and provide comments to them. See me for details.)

2/3 final draft, including

-- relevance to the course (i.e., analysis and comparison of the narratives regarding science and technology in your two novels).

-- Correct spelling and grammar.

-- Clarity of the writing.

-- Evidence for close reading of the material.

-- Logical coherence and persuasiveness of the arguments.

I recommend to all my students The Elements of Style by Strunk and White as an excellent, concise, and inexpensive guide to good writing.

Choosing a second book. I recommend you get from a used bookstore, or from a library (either the campus library or a public library) a couple of the books from the approved list. You can initially read them quickly, as for pleasure. After your initial read you can decide which to use as your second book on and reread more carefully. For an insightful and well argued paper you will need to read your book at least twice. Good writing, and careful analysis, is hard work. You will need to have chosen the two books you plan to compare and read them by April 10^th.

Schedule for class paper:

Mar 20: Organize into small groups

Apr 10: Small group distribute and discuss thesis statements

Apr 17: Small groups distribute and discuss outlines

Apr 29: Small groups distribute first drafts

May 1: Small groups discuss first drafts

May 8: Paper due (must include all material—thesis statement, outlines, first drafts—as well as final draft for full credit)