Ideally, students should pick dystopian or science fiction films that show or highlight the tension between machines and humans, which is also an important research agenda among sociologists interested in social change. I often show Modern Times (1936) during the first week of my lecture classes as a way to introduce students to sociology. You must pick films that are dystopian or science fiction based. Do not pick films that are documentaries or historical in nature. You might consider the following: Planet of the Apes, Bladerunner, Robocop (1987), The Running-Man, Children of Men, 12 Monkeys, Matrix, The Postman, Terminator, I Robot, The Island, Surrogates, Moon, Elysium, Ex Machina, Repo men, V for Vendetta, Avatar, Equals etc.
Next answer the following:
1) In what ways does the film (you picked) highlight the growing tension between machines and humans in the modern age? If these were not the themes discussed on the tensions between humans and machines in the future, what do you think were the most sociologically relevant themes in the film you picked to review?
2) Requirement: Please mention or bold 1 sociological concept or 1 core sociological perspective (Functionalism, Critical/Conflict, Feminist perspective, Symbolic Interactionism) from Chapter 1 that you used in the film analysis. You are also permitted/encouraged to use a sociological theorist if you think he or she fits with the film analysis.
Use this or cite these summaries when you mention specific theoretical perspectives you think fit with your film:
Theories
Functional Approach: sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability.
Social-Conflict/Critical Approach: sees society as an arena of inequality that generates conflict and change.
Symbolic Interaction Approach: sees society as the product of the everyday interactions of individuals.
Feminism Approach: the study of society that focuses on inequality and conflict between women and men.
Macionis, J. (2013). Society, The Basics. Upper saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education
3) Requirement: Your write-up should not be less than one-page single spaced!.
