Technology and the Future
Assignment Goals
To cement control of academic essay structure and basic paragraph elements. To establish firm academic tone.
To master employment of multiple sources within a given body paragraph and generally their fluid use within the paragraph structure. To cement use of quotations and citations.
To establish control of the MLA formatting system including accurate Works Cited section. To construct and convey a clear thesis to the audience.
General Guidelines
E3 is focused on the theme of technology and the future, using RR Unit III as a basis. Make sure to read the Unit and Selection Introductions as a general rule; although, do not quote from them since they are written by the editors of the books.
Essays must include direct quotes used as evidence from all three of the following sources. In your essay try to use all three sources in a flexible and balanced way, continuing to move away from the 1-source per paragraph style towards use of multiple sources within a given body paragraph and throughout the body paragraph structure.
Prompt
Look forward approximately 30 years (c. 2050). Using 3rd POV only, paint a picture of a vision/thesis (this is called a “synthesis”) of the future in reference to technology and likely technological changes, using this as a focus and theme for your essay. Pick a few areas to cover for your essay.
You wont be able to talk about everything. Use the 3 sources in any sense you wish as evidence to anchor and help your points and observations in your essay.
Focus on United States society in particular since the entire world is beyond the scope of a short essay like this.
Plan the essay first and consider the different spheres which you will address: social, cultural, economic, political, philosophical, military, artistic, etc., so that you can move through the essay in a methodical and analytical manner, guiding the reader forward from Introduction to Conclusion in an unrushed and clear way.
Make sure the Intro fully identifies your major sources and explains clearly to the audience what the purpose (thesis) of your essay is.
This is not a persuasive essay. This is a synthesis prompt, drawing from the three sources in whatever manner you wish to help you construct a considered view of a potential future. Also, this is not a fantasy project.
Consider current factors and likely trends and developments and paint what you consider to be a realistic possible future.
