Grading Rubric: 98-100  A+; 93-97 A; 90-92 A-; 87-89 B+; 83-86 B; 80-82 B-; 77-79 C+; 73-76 C; 70-72 C-; 67-69 D+; 63-66 D; 60-62 D-; 0-59 F

Cite and acknowledge the source of information not discussed in class (according to the MLA/parenthetical citation method); all web resources, especially, must be cited (see this link on how to cite web resources). Failure to do so constitutes plagiarism, which insults the integrity, respect, and honesty that make up academic rigor. Plagiarism, cheating, and pretending another’s words are your own are unethical practices subject to academic sanction and failure in this course. Please cite all consulted material, from websites, books, articles, to the backs of books, as critical engagement with and acknowledgment of others’ words is part of the larger academic conversation and ethic.

Late papers are still accepted until the final day of the course, though two points are deducted from the grade for each class day the paper is late (i.e., a paper turned in a week late is deducted four points, or about a half grade—from 91/A- to 87/B+). This levels the playing field for your classmates who submit work on assigned dates.

The academic literary essay embodies many qualities: analysis, close reading(s), thoughtfulness, and originality; a provocative and inquisitive nature accompanied by a clearly articulated argument and position; and a secure command of English literacy as practiced in a university context.

Please do not summarize any of the ‘plot’ (narrative, action, etc.) of the text too much. Rather, analyze the 'deeper meaning' of literature, drawing attention to and citing details that a reader might miss reading them the first time; you should reread key passages prior to writing. Each supporting paragraph should be centered on analysis of literary elements like themes, symbols, plot, and other recurring/repetitive details that expose hidden meanings; consult this Vocabulary page for more ideas. Additional tips for writing literary essays (including general evaluative criteria and information sources) follows at the end of this page.

•    Rough draft due R 2/16: Propose your paper in 5 to 10 sentences and lay out your plan for the essay

•    Final draft due M 2/20 at the beginning of class

The object of this assignment is to form a working definition of science fiction. Later in the semester, this definition might evolve and change, but the deductive description you put forth here should be based on one or more (no more than 2 or 3) works read in Unit I: a story from Harlan Ellison’s Dangerous Visions, or a story by P. K. Dick, E. T. A. Hoffmann, Francis Bacon, Margaret Atwood, or Ursula K. Le Guin.

You have several choices, but respond to only one prompt:

1.    Create your own topic using 1 to 3 sources from Unit I. Email your topic to the instructor before 2/15.

2.    Respond to Isaac Asimov’s essay, “The Influence of Science Fiction.” Does science fiction, as Asimov asserts, really lead to social progress? Why should (or shouldn’t) people read science fiction? Argue for the aspect of science fiction that you think best demonstrates its contributions to society and give an example from a text from Unit I.

3.    How does the uncanny function in a story by Philip K. Dick? Clarify your understanding of the uncanny, and then explain why this is a recurring motif in Philip K. Dick’s stories.

4.    Compare Francis Bacon’s short story, “The New Atlantis,” to the story by the same name by Ursula K. Le Guin. Why does Le Guin use the same title for her short story? In what ways does she comment on Francis Bacon’s “New Atlantis”?

5.    In what ways does science fiction by women writers differ from mainstream science fiction? How would you define the focus of Margaret Atwood and/or Ursula K. Le Guin? What function does science, in particular, serve in their respective universes?

6.    CREATIVE OPTION: Write your own science fiction story, screenplay, or poem. Include a cover letter of at least 1.5 pages that puts forward your definition of science fiction, reflects on its purpose in society (giving examples from Unit I texts), and shows how you realize these qualities in your own fictional work.

The cover letter should analyze your story and is a key component of your writing project. Consider answering the following questions: How does your story relate to other SF we have read? What is the purpose of your narrative style? How does your story qualify as SF? What is the social, political purpose of your story?

Additional Tips and Evaluative Criteria

• Please simply staple, number, and label each page with your last name (no cover pages or booklets). Include a title. 
  
• Late papers will be penalized.
• Please carefully proofread your paper; grammatically sloppy papers will have points deducted.
• In order to avoid plagiarism and to guide your readers in following your sources, please cite texts according to MLA standards. You may use outside sources but are not required to do so. If you do use outside sources, please be sure to cite them properly.
  

• Academic Honesty and Plagiarism: Definition of Plagiarism (from Student Handbook)

  "Plagiarism means the use of another's words as if they were your own, and the unacknowledged incorporation of those words in one's own work offered for credit.  The following guidelines for written work will assist the student in avoiding plagiarism:

              a) General indebtedness for background information and data is acknowledged by inclusion of a bibliography of all works consulted.

              b) Specific indebtedness for a particular idea, or for a quotation of four or more words from another text, is acknowledged by footnote reference to the actual source.  Quotations of 4 -5 words or more from a text are indicated by the use of quotation marks."

  Honesty is expected of you.  It is expected that the work you hand in will always be your own, and that you will never copy sentences, phrases, paragraphs or whole essays from any other person's work, for that is plagiarism.  Plagiarism is dishonest, and against both University policy and my own.  If you are ever unclear about how to cite another person or author's ideas, come see me or consult the staff in the Writing Center.  We can help you do this correctly.  It's important to understand that plagiarism is a big deal in this university and in my class.  Don't make this mistake.  Students who are caught plagiarizing will fail the course and be referred to the Dean of Student's office for disciplinary sanctions.

  
  
• This paper will be evaluated according to the strength and clarity of its argument, validity of its support, and originality of its conclusions. In addition, evidence of each student's ability to communicate these ideas in writing weighs considerably on the final evaluation. Therefore, you are encouraged to engage in peer-review and extensive proofreading.
  

• Students are encouraged to make use of the University Writing Center, located in Dickson Hall 285 (655-7442); students are benefited most by making an appointment, but drop-in hours are also available. I am more than willing to provide extra help and extra office hours! Please come to my regular office hours in Dickson Hall 324 or email me at nielsenw@mail.montclair.edu for an appointment.