Paper 2

The objective of this paper assignment is to demonstrate your capacity to use communication theory related to identity and technology. Use the film “Ex Machina (2014). Advance a thesis which makes an argument about identity in relationship to technology (An argument is a set of statements that you use in order to try to convince your reader that your opinion about something is correct). Your argument should utilize course material and be about human identity, or the philosophy of identity more generally (I am using philosophy here to refer to the fundamental nature of knowledge about identity, its reality, or existence). Use ONE concept, principle, or idea from course readings or lectures. Please italicize, bold, or underline the concept. Please define your conceptexplain meaning. Please cite your material using MLA formatboth in-text and works cited. Submit a two-page double spaced, 12-point font, standard margin essay. Works cited page must be on separate page.

Specific Instructions:

1. Film Choice

• You are using: Ex Machina (2014), directed by Alex Garland.
• Focus: Look at how technology (Ava, AI, digital mediums) affects identity.

2. Course Concept

• Concept: The Medium is the Message by Marshall McLuhan.
• Requirement: Use one course concept and italicize, bold, or underline it in your essay. (I will provide two texts for you to cite/reference and use) One is a lecture (pptx) and one is an excerpt (2 pages, 93 & 99).

1. Define the concept clearly in your own words.

• Example definition:
• McLuhans The Medium is the Message argues that the form of a medium itselfnot the content it carriesshapes society and human experience.

1. Apply it to the film: Show how the medium (Avas AI body, her digital interactions) shapes how identity is perceived and constructed.

3. Thesis

• Requirement: Advance a clear argument about identity and technology.
• Your thesis should:
• Make a claim about how technology shapes human or artificial identity.
• Use your concept (The Medium is the Message) to support your argument.
• Be specific, narrow, and arguable.

Example thesis for your essay:

In Ex Machina, technology transforms human identity, illustrating McLuhans The Medium is the Message; Avas digital and physical embodiment alters how humans perceive consciousness, intelligence, and identity itself.

4. Evidence / Film Analysis

• Requirement: Use specific examples or scenes from the film to support your argument.
• Suggested scenes for your essay:

1. Caleb interacting with Ava shows how the medium (Avas humanoid AI form) affects perception of consciousness.
2. Turing Test sequences shows identity being judged through technological interaction.
3. Avas escape demonstrates autonomy and forces humans to rethink identity boundaries.

• Action: For each scene:

1. Describe briefly.
2. Analyze how technology (the medium) impacts identity.
3. Connect it back to your thesis and concept.

5. Structure of the Essay

• Length: 2 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font, standard margins.
• Works Cited: Separate page, MLA format.

6. Citation Requirements

• Use MLA format for all sources.
• Include in-text citations whenever referencing a reading, lecture, or the film.