Theses and Dissertations at Montana State University (MSU)
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Item Firescapes and the birth of a genre: an environmental and literary history of 1910(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Letters & Science, 2023) Wood, Amelia Anne; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Mark FiegeThis thesis discusses the unique interplay of the historic fires occurring in Montana and Idaho in the summer of 1910, the prominent ideologies of the American West and the Conservation Movement at the time, and the life and work of contemporary Idaho author, Edward Elmer Smith. The purpose and driving question behind this study is to examine the various means by which a communal environmental consciousness is culturally produced. In addressing this question, the fires of 1910 serve as a useful case study. By exploring the mutual influences of the 1910 fires (an environmental event), the ideologies of the time (the prevailing culture), and the content of Smith's popular science fiction trilogy, The Skylark, (a tangible vessel by which one culture is carried into and made part of a future culture), we can begin to see how communal environmental ideas and ethics are birthed and carried into new generations. This thesis argues that Smith, residing in Idaho during the fires, allows dominate ideas of fire, wilderness, frontiers, masculinity, and more, to shape the characters and plot of his fiction. In this manner, the trilogy should be understood as an example of literature shaped by an environmental event--in this case fire, and subsequently as a powerful tool used to shape an aspect of an on- going communal environmental consciousness as his works grew in popularity.Item The effects of teaching science fiction in conjunction with science content(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Letters & Science, 2022) Sanches, Laura J.; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: C. John GravesThe purpose of this action research was to determine if teaching a science fiction novel in conjunction with science content leads to better retention. This was tested by having seventh grade students read the novel Maximum Ride by James Patterson in their English Language Arts class at the same time that they were studying genetics and evolution in their life science class. Data was collected both quantitatively through pre and posttests as well as a final exam. Qualitative data was collected by student surveys. After the research had concluded, the quantitative data was inconclusive as to if there was an advantage in reading the novel while learning the content. However, both students and teachers saw an increase in attitude and learning during the treatment units.Item Science fiction video supplementing earth science instruction(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Letters & Science, 2019) Buehler, Dylan Craig; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Greg FrancisThe ability to ascertain fact from fiction is becoming increasingly important for the human population. Without a solid foundation of science, mistruths about our world and solar system could be observed in popular science fiction movies and blindly accepted as science facts. The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of supplementing scientific instruction of space with the help of popular science fiction movies. Four chapters were taught alternating non-treatment and treatment. The non-treatment units were given lecture with teacher directed notes, projects associated with content, and an end of chapter test. Treatment chapters were given the same instruction with the inclusion of science fiction media clips with a discussion during and following the clips. Students were given Likert surveys, misconception probes, chapter tests and formative assessment throughout the study. Qualitative and quantitative data was analyzed to see if any changes occurred due to the inclusion of the treatment. Results indicated students enjoyed the inclusion of science fiction media in the classroom, but it did not indicate better test scores.Item Smiths Onion Institute exhibit : a perhaps hand(Montana State University - Bozeman, 1971) Smith, Lesley WinfieldIt occurred to me that I could take advantage of clay's strength in container-massiveness if I made other things like machines and technical apparatus of the future which sit when they are used, the form being a housing for the works. I also liked the "toy" idea for art, raising (or lowering, if you will) art to the point of physical participation. One of my last ray guns emitted a variable high pitched sound and flashed, being controlled by the participant. Ceramics was not a very applicable vehicle for a portable electronic object because of the weight. I tried papier-mache and though it was effective it was not satisfying to me. At this point my work began to split into two definite areas; the three-dimensional "machines" and the two-dimensional primarily the display of ray guns in use. The potentials in creating the Smiths onion Institute as the framework to unify loosely related forms was very exciting. Some of my observations of life have entered into this and helped formulate several axioms for the Smiths onion Institute. 1. Smiths onion ray guns do not kill. But they do make it rough on the enemy (i.e. changing to crybabies, giving them a headache or a toothache, putting them to sleep, etc.) 2. Woman is the superior human animal, gifted with greater stamina, patience and understanding, sensitivity and intelligence - when emotions do not interfere. Woman's Liberation of the early 1970's on Terra (Earth) began to prove this, gradually elevating WOMF., to the prime positions of responsibility and control. Smiths onion Intergalactic Time Agents (S.I.T.A.) were, are and will be all women attired in self-pride, self-respect, self-confidence, their space-time helmets and carrying Smiths onion ray guns. They travel through space and time affecting history, primarily in time of war or conflict. The nude female form, long an inspiration for art, is an epitome of organic form. And I believe, contrary to contemporary taste, that all variations of the female can be beautiful: slender, plump, stocky, short or tall. I intended to show as great a variety of figures as possible as S.I.T.A. Agents. The differences were considerably neutralized during the process of making the finished photographic historical scenes. I went further in several cases to visually experiment with contrasting crisp, cold metal with the soft grace of female forms. The effect, though jarring, is softened by the total processing.Item Teaching science with science fiction(Montana State University - Bozeman, Graduate School, 2014) Ketchen, Carisa; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Peggy Taylor.The focus of this action research project was to determine how using science fiction reading material could impact student learning at the high school level. Specifically, will using science fiction increase levels of student engagement, reinforce science content learned in class, increase science literacy skills, and finally to determine if there will be an increased interest in science related careers. Students were introduced to science fiction reading material along with regular content. The methodology continues with the students collaborating and developing their literacy skills using short pieces of science fiction with writing prompts and research questions. The final portion of the treatment consisted of the students reading a science fiction book, researching the science concepts within the text, then presenting the project to their peers. The data analysis incorporated several pieces of quantitative and qualitative evidence. These include student pre and post attitudinal surveys, student work samples of written responses, personal interviews, and rubric based presentations. The data was collected from three different classes; Earth Science (N=8), Biology (N=10) and Chemistry (N=8). The data revealed the lower level Earth Science had the most decreases in interest for science reading and pursuing careers in science, as opposed to the Biology and Chemistry classes showing increases in interest in both areas. All of the classes demonstrated increases in abilities for science research and performance on the student presentations indicate science literacy increased as well. Overall there was a positive response from students with regards to levels of engagement and achievement.Item Two way memories and virtual realities : how science fiction works and Lewis Carroll's Alice books let the reader in(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Letters & Science, 2001) Farrell, Jennifer KelsoItem Machines for a perfect world(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Arts & Architecture, 2006) Tullar, Christopher Robin; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Richard HelzerWonder, optimism, and discovery are to me the most positive and exciting aspects of exploration of any kind. These are the central themes in Machines for a Perfect World. My main goal in putting this show together is to create pieces that incite these emotions and ideals in the viewer. The visual languages I utilize to this end are those of science fiction, industry, and architecture – aesthetic influences of mine from as far back as I can recall. Science and more specifically, the fictional accounts surrounding the future of scientific discovery have a particular resonance that has always captivated my curiosity and stimulated my imagination. Paralleling and complimenting this interest is my fascination with machines and building, and the processes involved therein.Item Utopia and dystopia in futuristic nonfiction television(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Arts & Architecture, 2010) Jackson, Sarah Anne; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Theo Lipfert.Fiction often represents the future in either a utopian or dystopian light. Utopian fiction presents worlds where life is perfection. Dystopian fiction's conflict comes directly from the characters' interactions with the problems in their world. When nonfiction television enters into speculation by making programs about the future, they also enter into these two categories of fiction. Some programs show a world returning to a perfect Eden, but they begin with the dystopian ending of the human race on earth. Other shows promise technological utopias, but avoid obvious problems with their technologically dependent tomorrows. These shows all take tropes from dystopian science fiction, but use their status as science documentaries to deny that any of the critiques of fiction belong in their programs.