This is an assignment that I use in my Grade 12 advanced level English class after we have studied Hawthorne's "The Birthmark" and Shelley's Frankenstein. When I give the assignment and take the class to the library to begin their research, I purposely withhold any further instruction from them as to, for example, how they might organize the essay or how they could possibly incorporate three potentially disparate aspects of science and technology into a unified essay. It is only after they have done what I hope is extensive research and have been exposed to the implications of modern technology that I reveal to them that it isn't absolutely necessary to use all three elements in their essay (two can work nicely). As well, we then do some brainstorming as to organization of the essay. One possibility that emerges is that the first part of the paper can be devoted to the 'promise' of the science or technology, while the other parts deal with the reality, which may include environmental, social, and economic implications. I like the assignment because it forces students to really think, not simply regurgitate, and I also like to believe that it helps to demonstrate the relevance of concerns of nineteenth-century literature to our world today. I have also included the brainstorming list of terms related to science and technology. Teachers may wish to give this out to the class or have their students develop a list on their own. ********************************************************* SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - MONSTERS WE HAVE CREATED The Nineteenth Century was a time of great change. The advances in science and technology made possible the Industrial Revolution, a revolution which fundamentally altered the way in which millions of people lived their lives. However, not everyone was willing to accept the notion that such change was, by its nature, inevitably beneficial to humanity. Indeed, the wisdom of placing too much faith in science is called into question in some of the literature of the time, two examples being Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Birthmark" and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Both authors seem to be suggesting, amongst other things, that raising science to the status of godhood carries with it inherent risks that demand careful consideration. This essay requires that you research the role that science and technology plays in our own time and from that research and your own thinking about the topic, develop an essay which demonstrates how science and technology are advancing much more rapidly than is our wisdom to use them properly, and thus are becoming the equivalent of modern day 'monsters' that we have created. Process 1. Extensive notes and reflections that emerge from researching THREE different aspects of science and technology (see brainstorming list). 2. An essay outline which includes thesis statement, a topic sentence for each body paragraph, and points properly organized for each body paragraph. 3. A rough draft, written on alternate lines, which shows evidence of editing. If you are using a computer, you must print out your rough draft and edit that draft. If there is no sign of significant editing, it will not be considered a draft. Product A formal essay, 800-1000 words, double-spaced, with proper citations and a works consulted page. PLEASE NOTE: Essays submitted without the process work described above will not be accepted. Due date:__________________________ **************************************************** Terms Associated with Science and Technology acid rain animal testing automation & unemployment bioethics biomedical- technology cloning computers ecology electomagnetic- radiation environment ethics eugenics fetal tissue gene therapy genetic counselling genetic engineering genetic screeningglobal warming human experimentation human genome project nuclear energy organ donation ozone layer packaging pesticides pollution pre-natal testing reproductive technologies toxic waste toxicology transgenic research transplants trans-species transplants waste disposal