Choose any one story, create an argument about how the story explores a modern concern or development related to contemporary science and technology — through the literary genre of the short story.
1) https://dailysciencefiction.com/science-fiction/biotech/thomas-k-carpenter/ten-things-you-should-know-before-crossing-yourself-with-a-lobster-so-you-can-live-forever
2) https://dailysciencefiction.com/science-fiction/robots-and-computers/alexei-collier/apocalist-the-surprising-origins-of-7-everyday-words
3) https://dailysciencefiction.com/science-fiction/clones/christine-amsden/please-stop-murdering-grandma
4)https://dailysciencefiction.com/science-fiction/biotech/kara-allen/i-love-you-and-i-have-the-brain-scans-to-prove-it
Do not simply discuss or summarize the plot and do not simply argue that the story reflects some particular concern. Similarly, don’t simply say that the science in the story is implausible in some way. Instead, make an argument about how the story develops a theme related to modern science. Explore its literary richness as it relates to real scientific concerns. Do not try to make the analysis easy. Aim to explore the difficulties. Remember to use footnotes, not endnotes.
Chicago style must be used.
Criteria for Recognition
Is within 10% of the assigned length, not including footnotes and front matter, and without excessive quotation.
Is formatted according to course guidelines (font, inclusion of course info, margins etc).
Has an original title (eg not “English essay” or “Assignment One” or the like).
Has an introduction that sets out a relevant thesis—in this case a statement about the story engages, thematically, some issue of modern science.
Has a series of body paragraphs that present relevant arguments and relevant evidence. Each body paragraph should include properly cited evidence from the story and, in some cases, from secondary sources.
Has a conclusion.
Has a reasonably limited number of typos and errors of grammar and style. Students should note that not every error will be noted in feedback. Just fixing the errors noted may not be enough to satisfy this requirement.
Uses footnotes for citations without a bibliography and uses them correctly according to Chicago Style and course guidelines.
