NS 310 “Science and Science Fiction” Spring 2008

The Thesis

Your first step to writing a class paper, once you have read your books, is to come up with a thesis. A thesis is the main point or conclusion of your paper, and is one or two sentences long. Do not confuse it with the topic of your paper.

Examples:

“My paper is going to be comparing The Dispossessed with Neuromancer.” BAD. This is a topic, not a thesis.

“My paper is going to be comparing the science in The Dispossessed with that in Neuromancer.” BAD. Still a topic.

“My paper is going to compare attitudes towards quantum mechanics in The Dispossessed with that in Neuromancer.” Still BAD but getting closer.

“The Dispossessed dislikes the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics, while Neuromancer argues that that same probabilistic nature gives us freedom.” GOOD. (Albeit not true—Neuromancer does not discuss QM.)

“Robinson’s Red Mars suggests, through the voice of Sax Russell, that the colonization of Mars was a bad idea, while conversely Baxters’ Voyage, about the first manned flight to Mars, suggests despite all the hardships it is worth the journey.” GOOD. (Also not really true—I’m not going to hand out free theses here.)

“The movies Forbidden Planet and Gattaca both warn about unchecked reliance on technologies, albeit in different ways. Forbidden Planet suggests that our underlying, bestial nature will always turn technology against ourselves, while Gattaca argues that unilateral reliance upon a single technology can causes us to miss other possibilities and opportunities.” GOOD – and fairly true. But you can’t use this one—I’m not allowing you to write about movies.

When you hand out your thesis for review: Type (required) your name and the statement of your thesis at the top of a page. Leave room at the bottom for handwritten comments, plus room for the reviewer to print AND sign his/her name. Bring 5-7 copies, enough for everyone in your group PLUS an extra one for me.

We will take time on Thursday, April 10 for your small group to hand out and discuss your thesis statement. I will have sign-in sheets for you to prove your participation.
Example:

NS 310 “Science and Science Fiction” Spring 2008

Gordon Bernstein

Thesis statement: The movies Forbidden Planet and Gattaca both warn about unchecked reliance on technologies, albeit in different ways. Forbidden Planet suggests that our underlying, bestial nature will always turn technology against ourselves, while Gattaca argues that unilateral reliance upon a single technology can causes us to miss other possibilities and opportunities.

Reviewer comments:

Reviewer name: _______________________________

Signature: ________________________________ date:_______________