Science-Fiction Assignments .
Soc 1100. Science Fiction Assignment
For this class, you have to complete a series of science fiction essays. Here are the steps and requirements you should follow.
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1.Choose 1 book and 1 film from the following list. You will use these two sources for all of your Sci-Fi essays this term.
Books
Films
Max Barry, Jennifer Government
George Orwell, 1984
Cory Doctorow, Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom
China Mieville, The City and The City
Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games
Veronica Roth, Divergent
Minority Report
Brazil
Equilibrium
Gattaca
Soylent Green
In Time
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2.The main purpose of this assignment is for you to relate sociological concepts (presented in each chapter of the textbook) to the materials presented in the book and films. Your final version should be precise in referring to the films or the books. Here are just some of the things that should figure in your paper:
1) Culture. The books and films present us with a vision of futuristic societies. You should provide an analysis of this society as if you were an anthropologist discovering a new culture. What seems to be the rules, norms, values, laws and symbols of this culture? Is there a dominant culture? Are there any subcultures or countercultures, describe them (and indicate why some are subcultures and others counterculture)? Describe a few elements of material and nonmaterial culture.
2) Socialization. In the chapter on socialization, you have learned that even though we tend to think of our “self” as the core of our identity, what makes us unique individuals, the reality is that self is a social product; our self is the product of our interactions with other people and our culture, or the part of the culture we have access to. How do you see this phenomenon reflected in the books and films? Additionally, very often, science fiction, a central character is presented with a challenge to his/her self. A common plot is for the central character to see the integrity of his self challenged. Describe how this happens. Who or which group poses such a challenge and how does the character detect, react and cope with such a challenge? In the books and films, can you identify examples of resocialization, total institutions and social devaluation? If yes, explain.
3) Social interaction and social structure. Interactions are an essential part of our lives and our “self”. Are the characters confronted with role strain or role conflict? In the films and books, describe the main character’s ascribed and achieved status(es). Are the societies described based on mechanical or organic solidarity? Are they more Gemeinschaft or Gesellschaft societies?
4) Groups and Organizations. What are the most important groups (primary and secondary) and formal organizations / bureaucracies presented in the books and films? What kind of leadership is present? Identify examples of ingroup / outgroup, conformity and obedience.
5) Deviance and crime. What kinds of activities are presented as deviant or criminal in the books and films? How do these societies treat deviant? What kinds of punishments are applied to them (formal / informal)? Is there a criminal justice system? How does it work?
6) Dimensions of Stratification. Are the societies presented in the books and films stratified? Give specific examples of systems of stratification, different social classes, racial / ethnic groups and gender issues. Is there any racism, sexism, prejudice of all sorts and discrimination? Are there any examples of global stratification (stratification between societies rather than within societies)? Identify patterns of race relations (genocide, assimilation…). Describe the gender roles in these societies.
7) Economy and work. What types of economic systems are described in the books and films? Describe the labor market. What seem to be the major economic issues for these societies? What are the main occupations, professions and other forms of employment described?
8) Politics and Government. Describe the different political systems presented in the books and films. Are these democracies, monarchies, authoritarian or totalitarian governments? Which individuals or groups exercise power and/or authority (which type of authority)? Do these societies seem to be more on a pluralist or power elite-based? Does the military play a role in these societies? What is its importance?
3.For each unit, you will have to focus on the corresponding chapters in the textbook in 2 double-spaced pages minimum. For instance, for unit 1, you will have to write 2 pages relating to culture and socialization (chapters 1 & 2 are not required). You will need to bold the sociological concepts you use in your essays.
These unit assignments are expected to be thorough; it is clear that you will not have read the complete book by the unit one deadline, but it is important that you start the reading and get an initial idea of what you have to do. The first few chapters of a book or the introductory scenes of a film usually tell you a lot about a given society and its culture.
You are expected to be specific. For instance, it is not enough to write that in 1984, the government is totalitarian; you are expected to provide detailed explanations to support this assessment and to give precise examples from the book. Or, of course, don’t tell me that a society seems technologically advanced. This is SCIENCE FICTION. Of course societies are very likely to be technologically advanced. As sociologists, we are much more interested in the effects of technology on society and vice versa.
The unit sections and final paper should be Microsoft Word / Open Office documents. Please, do not use any other format. If you do not have Microsoft Word and use another word processor (such as Microsoft Works, WordPerfect, etc); save your document in Rich Text Format (the extension of your file should be .rtf). Alternatively, you can type your assignment directly in Blackboard but be sure to format it as required.
Finally, please turn in your Sci-Fi essays by uploading them into Blackboard (you can upload more than one file, but they must be uploaded at the same time). Go to Assignments and select Sci-Fi Essays.
