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Science Fiction
English 315.02
Spring 2004

Essay 2

For essay 2, choose one of the four topics listed below and write a three - four page argumentative essay which develops a thesis and supports it with evidence from the text(s). Be careful to avoid a plot summary or a superficial discussion of your topic, but rather seek to explain not just the how and the what of your topic but the significance as well.

1. In the introduction to The Left Hand of Darkness, Ursula Le Guin writes:

“The purpose of a thought experiment, as the term was used by Schrödinger and other physicists, is not to predict the future—indeed Schrödinger’s most famous thought-experiment goes to show that the “future,” on the quantum level, cannot be predicted—but to describe reality, the present world. Science fiction is not predictive; it is descriptive.”

Argue for or against Le Guin’s statement that science fiction is descriptive. Support your argument with evidence from one or two texts we’ve read this term.

2. While there’s a common belief that science and religion are opposing social forces, religion plays a significant, even central role, in many of the texts we’ve read this term. Discuss the role of religion any two texts we've read this term (only one can be by Walter Miller), and try to explain what these science fiction authors achieve by foregrounding religion in their stories.

3. In his introduction to The Oxford Book of Science Fiction Short Stories, T.A. Shippey argues that science fiction is “future-oriented” and it’s literary opposite, the pastoral, is “nostalgic.” In the first chapter of Science Fiction, Adam Roberts argues “the chief mode of science fiction is not prophecy, but nostalgia” and supports this claim by pointing out that Dune is set in a “reactionary and intensely old-fashioned world;” that many of Phillip K. Dick’s novels, though set in the future, seem to be set in 1950s America; and that the original Star Trek screams 1960s. Who is right? Or can they both be right? Make sure to refer to at least one of our texts as you develop your argument.

4. Choose any issue raised in one of the letter series and explore that issue in-depth. If you choose this option, you should refer to or quote from posts made by class members and cite them in your essay.

Your essay should follow the general guidelines for written work and be 3-4 pages in length (note: 2-3/4 pages is not 3 full pages).

Your peer review draft should be revised and proofread before being posted to Comment (see the Comment quick start guide as well as the Comment in-help system for uploading documents).

Based upon your peer review, revise your essay at least once. Your essay 1 should be turned in inside a pocket folder (not a 3-ring binder) and include:

• the final draft of your essay, clearly marked as such,
• a printout of your essay, with comments, from Comment
• all earlier drafts of your essay, clearly marked as draft 1, draft 2, etc.,
• any prewriting you may have,
• and a brief cover letter discussing:
  • what changes you made after the peer review and why you made them,
  • and why you believe your final draft successfully fulfills the assignment.
  • Feel free to also include such information as:
    • resources which you drew upon,
    • what you struggled with,
    • what you think you learned,
    • what writing and rhetorical issues you focused upon, etc.
  • This cover letter should be clearly written and well organized.

Peer review draft due: 25 March

Final draft due: 6 April

Last Modified: 12 March 2004

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