This document is the directions for the 4-part fall term paper.
Length: 5 pages
Style: MLA Style
Part 1, Bibliography - Due: November 10th, 2008
Part 2, Thesis Paragraph and Outline - Due: November 12th, 2008
Part 3, First Draft - Due: November 19th, 2008
First Draft comment back to students - November 24, 2008
Part 4, Final Draft - Due: December 3rd, 2008
In class we have studied and discussed a seminal example the cyberpunk literary genre, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? We have also watched and discussed the 1982 (2007) film Blade Runner based on the novel. Discuss a point of comparison between the two texts, some symbol or idea. How is this symbol or idea portrayed differently in the two mediums? I suggest you pick a pivotal scene in the film in which a particular idea is played out and compare it to a specific passage in the novel. I would like you to make your own observations and not rely on the work of "authorities" (critics). If you do choose to consult critics or authorities please do so AFTER you have made your choice based on the criteria in our discussions and after you have attempted to examine both texts on your own (i.e. don't read any critics until after part 2 of the assignment is done). I am interested in your opinions not the opinions of some critic! Of course you may draw on the work of any critic with whom you want to put yourself into a dialog. (see Ways of Writing p. 42 ff)
How does the film portray the relationship of humans to technology? What role does technology play in the human society depicted in this film? Is it menacing? utopian? ever-changing? What does this film say about what it means to be human?
When writing your paper you should consider the following:
A successful paper will have a strong thesis statement supported by a detailed analysis of a few scenes or images that support your ideas. It will also incorporate the thoughts of others by the use of quotes and a bibliography.
Writing Center: I strongly recommend making at least one appointment with the writing center NOW. It is best to meet with them when you have a clearly defined topic and at least some preliminary writing. If you wait until the end of the term you will not get an appointment. It would be appropriate to have three or more appointments if writing is a challenge for you. Even someone who already writes well can benefit from an expert opinion.
Library: Don’t be shy about asking for help in the library. Our library contact for Cyber Millenium is Micheal Bowman. He will be the most familiar with what we are doing. But any of the librarians are happy to help with questions, so if Michael is not available just ask at the desk. Also see the Research Survival Guide.
You must include at least one book, and at least one peer reviewed journal article. It might include another film or cyber punk novel, film or book reviews, articles about the cyber punk genre, articles about artifical intelligence, etc.
When you find the books keep good records, because you must also create a bibliography. I.e. a written a list of the books. It includes the necessary information that other people could use to find the same item. This includes title, author, dates, pages etc. In our class we will use the MLA bibliography style. If you follow the link, there is an online resource you can use to learn how to construct such a bibliography. The sections on "works cited" are particularly useful. Use them as your guide.
I have created some notes on how to make an annotated bibliography. Please look at them and follow the suggestions.
Bring the books and articles to class. Bring a hard copy of your bibliography in MLA style.
Write about 200 words which will be the thesis statement for your term-paper.
You may use the ideas you generated in class or mentor session, or any other ideas you want.
Your outline should have at least 3 top-level ideas. Each idea should be expanded at least one level, with 3-4 sub-topics in the outline.
Be sure that your final product conatins both a thesis statement and an organized outline.
Grading Rubric
Thesis
Outline
I will use a grading rubric similar to the following
I will use a grading rubric similar to the following. Note the heavy weighting to given to substantial revision of the work.