Objectives:  to anaylyze fictional works; to break down a topic into subpoints for discussion and analysis; to generate a thesis statement

Audience: readers of salon.com

Task:  The editors of salon.com have asked you to write a serious analysis of  how technology is depicted in modern American culture. They want you to write about the movie Blade Runner , because they believe it touches on some of the most important issues regarding humans and technology. They would like you to discuss two other presentations of technology in modern films or literature in addition to Blade Runner.  They have also laid out some other guidelines:

• Supporting detail is crucial. This means specific description of visuals, quotation of dialogue or lyrics, and names of actors or artists when appropriate.
• Citations. The editors want you to cite the sources you use (according to APA style). This may seem weird, but in the editorial process the editors will discover the list price for these works and post them in a sidebar, and host ads for amazon.com and other online booksellers.
• A thesis or main idea. The editors INSIST that you come up with a position or main idea on the general theme of the presentation of digital identity in pop culture. I'll give you an example, but DON'T use this one in your paper: "The predominantly negative depiction of identity and self in Blade Runner, The Matrix,  and William Gibson's Virtual Light stems from general fears of social control and loss of individuality." No, a thesis like this can never be "proved". But it can be supported in persuasive ways with concrete evidence.
• A break-down of points or ideas. The editors want you to have several (probably 3-4) main subideas or subpoints which support your main thesis. In the example above, I might break down my thesis further with these subpoints: 1. Technology is usually equated with faceless, insensitive, inhuman bureaucracies   2. An individual is usually alienated--socially, psychologically, and physically--from mainstream life.  3. There are Christian motifs of persecution and rebirth.
  
• This is NOT a review article. Hence extensive plot or characterization summary is NOT desireable.

Length: 5-6 pages or more

Points: 150

Sources: The editors have stipulated that you refer to two secondary sources as well as your primary sources. These could well be reviews of the works you're studying. Primary source: an original work of art or historical document. Secondary source: an analysis or interpretation of a primary source.  The editors have indicated that scholarly sources would be perfectly acceptable and might enhance the persuasiveness of your article.

Commentary: For every formal paper, a one-page commentary on the process you went through as you completed the first draft is required. This commentary is NOT included in the page length requirement.