Top 5 Most Cutting Edge/Handy Inventions Inspired by Science Fiction and It’s Affect on Society

Abstract

Believe it or not, it is a proven fact that Science Fiction has played a HUGE role in most of the everyday goods that are present to us. Despite how much we take these things for granted, motivation and determination both come from the inspiration of something. Besides the theory of the big bang theory, nothing just invents itself. We see things that some of us consider to be possible to make but impossible to others. Something inside of us gives us the strength, the will and the confidence to create something innovative. The world is constantly changing as we speak when it comes to new things being invented. Just look at how the world was in 1995 compared to now. Feels like we live in the future. That phone you got in your pocket, inspired by science fiction. The taser’s that our cops are using whether its necessary or not, inspired by science fiction. That’s just some of them.

There have been a bunch of sources, where these geniuses have got there inspiration from. Some of these people got them from books, movies, tv shows and some just from what they see with their own eyes. The creators of these inventions were all brave enough to try, to accept failure over and over and not afraid to think outside the box. All of these inventions have had a huge affect on our society as a whole. Many people now of days can’t even imagine a world without the internet or their phones. Well, there was a time where people didn’t have ANY of that. A lot of people say that these inventions have made the world smaller, some say otherwise. Whether or not they’re opinions are valid, it still had an affect on the society.  There are a bunch of inventions that were inspired by science fiction, not just the internet and phones.  So there fore, this project will show you the Top 5 Most Cutting Edge/Handy Inventions inspired by Science Fiction AND it’s affect on the world!

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Does religion limit the sci-fi to a religious audience?

Abstract:

This essay will explore the use of religion in Sci-fi texts. Specifically, it will explore if the religious aspects limit the audience of the genre; does it become a genre specifically for the religious? The essay will explore different interpretations of different texts to demonstrate how the use of religion opens up the genre to a wider audience by appealing to the non-religious and the religious. Each example will show how different interpretations of religious symbols can be seen as both positive and negative, thus appealing to everybody.

 

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Download (PPTX, 1.76MB)

Exploration: A Look into the Relationship Between Electronic Music and Science Fiction

Donovan Valle
ENG 2420- Science Fiction
Prof. Jill Belli
Project 2

Exploration: A Look into the Relationship Between Electronic Music and Science Fiction

Abstract

There is no denying the lasting power and influence that electronic music has had on popular culture. It is evident today in hip hop and dance music. However, many do not know that the early roots of electronic music can be traced back to science fiction film. It is because of sci-fi films that early experimentalists of music and technology were able to push the boundaries of machines that could create and perform music. Electronic instruments that were developed in the early to mid 1900’s like the theremin and the modular synthesizer created the music and sounds that have since been directly associated with early science fiction film. These new instruments were able to enhance the themes and concepts that were present in the films like robots, aliens, and flying saucers.

Throughout this essay, the impact of science fiction on electronic music will be clear through film examples such as “Forbidden Planet” and “The Day The Earth Stood Still.” The exploration and implementation of electronic instruments into musical film scores paved the way for musicians to do it in their own work. It will also be shown that there is a clear bilateral relationship between sci-fi and electronic music. Not only was the music able to enhance the settings, characters, themes, and ideas present in the films, but the genre gave commercial artists like David Bowie and Pink Floyd new ways to record and present their record and present music to their fans.

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Download (DOCX, 97KB)

Prezi presentation can be found via this link
http://prezi.com/fh3ye3dny2nz/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

Science Fiction Entertainment And Music

Abstract

The Write-Up attached along with the presentation shows how music or musical scores can change the human mind’s perception of a science fiction film, television show, or video game and how the musical score can amplify the person’s emotions when watching, or interacting with it. Moreover, it shows how someone watching a science fiction entertainment work of art can have different thoughts on major plot points in the story when the music is alongside the motion picture, rather than having it muted. Some examples that are used to support this are from famous and almost famous science fiction shows, films, and games such as, Battlestar: Galactica, Halo: Reach, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Stargate: Universe. Also, the process of producing these scores are introduced, such as becoming the main character or target character, so it makes it much easier to see the unknown world, but also the fact of how difficult it can get when going through the actual design process. Evidence, such as an interview with professional composer, Joel Goldsmith, son of famous Star Trek composer, Jerry Goldsmith, is also introduced, where he briefly describes the difficulty of it and how bad it can really get.

Something else that is briefly described is the other side of that coin, and how the science fiction genre has influenced music in a way that it also created widely known musical genres, for example, electronic and Dubstep, among others. Along with it is some evidence from a site that had a list of The 15 Greatest Science Fiction-Based Pop/Rock Songs by Sean T. Collins, instead of using this list, what was used was the thorough description that was at the top of the page.

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Download (DOCX, 12KB)

Presentation

NOTICE: The power point presentation was to large because videos are included. Instead I’ve uploaded them to my OneDrive and assigned the files to a link above. You should also download the videos too because the PPT will probably not function properly without it.

Reminder: Project #2 Final Drafts due tomorrow (5/14)

Hi everyone:

Just a friendly reminder that the final (graded) drafts of Project #2 are due tomorrow, in the form of an individual post with the abstract as full text, and then three associated files uploaded to the post. Please refer to the Project #2 assignment for submission requirements, and do email me if you have any questions. I also strongly encourage you to review all the separate pages for Project #2 on the different components of the project (and the various class notes discussing project expectations / requirements), before submitting everything.

Material not posted by 2:30pm tomorrow (Th 5/14) will receive no credit. All posts and files are timestamped automatically on OpenLab.

Tomorrow, as you know, we’ll meet at the bookstore and after our tour, have our presentations there. Since you will be uploaded everything to OpenLab before class (each of you is making a post, with your abstract, and all of your files), we’ll have ready through our OpenLab site. Do bring a back-up (on a flashdrive, or in your email) just in case … always a good idea 🙂

Again, these are the people who volunteered to give their presentations tomorrow (in no particular order):

  • Leo
  • Donovan
  • Aaron
  • Jonathan
  • John
  • Danny
  • Zac
Also, we will be having end-of-the-semester celebrations tomorrow (and next Thursday), and the bookstore generously said we could bring in refreshments as long as we are neat and clean up after ourselves (yay!). I will bring in some goodies for the class, and I encourage you to do the same (you should bring enough for 18 people). You can leave a “comment” at the bottom of this post stating what you will bring in (drinks, chips, cookies, etc. 
 things like paper plates, napkins, cups are good too!), so we don’t overlap too much with what we chose to bring. You don’t “have” to bring anything, but it would be nice if everyone could bring something for either tomorrow or next Thursday’s class.
See you soon!
Cheers,
Professor Belli

The Bene Gesserit and Power – Chris Robledo – Project 2

Abstract – Frank Herbert’s Dune Chronicles is an expansive universe that has many themes that are seen in scientific literature. A major theme seen throughout is the theme of control. The Bene Gesserit is a group of women who exert control over others using many techniques. They strong female characters exhibit superhuman like powers and use these abilities to further their goal. Of their many abilities, their “Voice” ability is a very powerful tool in their repertoire The use of Spice as well as “religious engineering” are also used to further their goal which is to create a male equivalent to their order.. This paper will discuss the use of these tools as well as make comparisons to other literary works that also deal with issues of control, and research that supports this idea.

 

Download (DOCX, 13KB)

Download (DOCX, 24KB)

Download (PPTX, 8.12MB)

Power Point:

Videos don’t seem to work with PPT on Openlab, so here are the two shorts linked via YouTube.

The Voice Scene

https://youtu.be/ZAeLGLhibnA

A Scanner Darkly Scene

https://youtu.be/Z_DmP9sI0_Q

Tomorrow’s Class (Th 5/14) Held at SF Bookstore in Vinegar Hill!

Hi everyone:

As we discussed last week, we will be holding class tomorrow, Th 5/14, at Singularity & Co. (a vintage SciFi, Fantasy & Fantasy bookstore). The bookstore is in Vinegar Hill. You can see a map and get directions here.

We’ll meet inside the bookstore at the start of class (do not come to our regular classroom: go straight to the bookstore). Please arrive no later than 2:30pm: it is ~15 walk from the Namm building (closer to Voorhees & the York Street F station), so plan accordingly. We will begin class with a brief tour / overview from one of the bookstore staff, and then move into our presentations (we’ll hold the entire class period there, so plan to be there until 5pm).

Each of you should drop a quick comment to this post to let me know that you saw this message / will arrive at the bookstore by 2:30pm. If anyone wants to arrange walking over with classmates or me (from campus), mention that in your comment, and we can coordinate.

Looking forward to checking out this store together with you tomorrow, and to hearing about your research projects 🙂

Cheers,
Professor Belli

Class Notes 5/7/15

I took over on notes instead of Zac.

A reminder that the project presentations start this Thursday 5/14 with the presenters going, but not in order, as the following:

  • Leo
  • Donovan
  • Aaron
  • Jonathan
  • John
  • Danny
  • Zac

Word of the day- Quorum: the minimum number of members of an assembly or society that must be present at any of its meetings to make the proceedings of that meeting valid.

There was a majority of the class that were interested in going to the tour at the vintage Sci-Fi bookstore in DUMBO for 5/14 and based on what Prof. Belli gets in response from the bookstore we will go on that day and maybe even present there as well.

Prof. Belli briefly mentioned the reading assignment that was due, CH. 6 on the Sci-Fi book, and that it could help us on our projects as well.

A discussion on what is considered a valid source for our papers ensued. Remember that the paper needs a minimum of 5 secondary sources and a work cited page in MLA format, as well as the final slide in your presentation.

Then the discussion of what should be cited came about. If you are using an idea that’s not directly yours needs to be cited.

An optional addition to your papers was offered, A Works Consulted Page may be added, asides from the Work Cited. A Works Consulted Page is whatever sources that helped you on your way to your actual research.

  • We discussed on what is considered a reputable source:
  • A source that has been proven
  • Good Reputation
  • Credible

Where a source comes from adds to its reputation

Ask yourself to determine a valid source:

  • Who’s the author?
  • Publication venue, what and where?
  • What is the bias on a source, every source has one and needs to be considered
  • Contextualize the source, help the reader understand where the source is coming from
  • Understand the bias behind the source
  • Publication Date?
  • Purpose?
  • Is your source current?

Wikipedia is a good starting point but don’t ever cite it

Some good resources on Sci-Fi:

  • Science Fiction Studies
  • Extrapolation

Difference between Primary Source and Secondary is that Primary is the original source and Secondary are sources written about the original

Another optional addition to your papers is an Annotated Bibliography. Summarizes each source on Work Cited Page and helps to know where in your papers that information would go.

If you have gone to see a research librarian you can add that experience in your cover letter.

Make sure your city tech id is registered at the library in order to use the library’s catalog online off-campus.

Also Stay tuned on Sci-fi Bookstore tour for 5/14.

-Leo

Revised Proposal

As I revised my proposal, I have now decided to focus on the emergence and evolution of both electronic and popular music through the lens of science fiction, and the bi-lateral nature of the relationship between the two. I will analyze 2 films and 2 albums that have been influential in pop culture. What I will then do is explain the soundtracks and musical elements of the 4 pieces, and then explain how science fiction has played a role in the exploration and evolution of musical soundscapes and ideas. What is important to understand is not only how electronic music has influenced the science fiction genre, but how the ideals and themes of the sci-fi genre has had an impact on the exploration and evolution of electronic music that we have seen in popular music.

Here are a list of some articles and sources that I will be referencing in my paper.

https://thump.vice.com/en_us/article/black-to-the-future-electronic-musics-sci-fi-roots

The Future Sounds of Yesterday: A Sequence of Synthesizers in Science Fiction by Christopher Bahn

Electronic Music in Early Science Fiction

http://www.kritzerland.com/day_earth_still.htm

http://www.austinchronicle.com/music/2008-07-25/648446/

Sound and Music in Film and Visual Media: A Critical Overview by by Graeme Harper

Revision of proposal.

After doing so searching i decided to focus on technology Within the steam punk sub genre. I would like to explore why is the idea of not exploring more new advances technologies and instead advancing the already current technology. These involve the use of steam for devices. Continuing with advancing analog devices and automatons robots.I also would like to question the idea of sticking to these technologies yet still able to create futuristic technologies like robots and rayguns. At what point would the advancement be be considered non canon to this universe. What exactly are the guidelines.

I would also like to discus the origins of steam punk.. I think its also worthy of noting how even though the technology shaped the depiction of steam punk it does not play an important role in the stories.

Then i would also like to explore the art of taking modern technologies that exist in the real word and recreating them as if they existed in this universe.

In a quick summary i guess you would say i would like to talk about these cool gadgets in steam punk and how it came about and its origins.