Thesis
Alien forms: interchanges of science, media, and public perception
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Jul 2022
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001374
Abstract
There can be no thought of finishing, for aiming at the stars, both literally and figuratively, is a problem to occupy generations, so that no matter how much progress one makes, there is always the thrill of just beginning. (Dr. Robert H. Goddard, in a letter to H. G. Wells, 1932) The term "resonance" refers to the potential of a piece of media to be accepted and embraced by audiences. It is more than an emotional response; when media resonates with us, it goes beyond just being likeable or enjoyable but affects us in a more cognitive manner-that it is to say it works or seems right. Why resonance does and does not occur is a complicated subject that involves an interplay of comprehending both cultural expectations and scientific knowledge as they affect media content. Where these three converge-culture, science, and media-is where resonance emerges. Also at the meeting of these three is the subject of extraterrestrial life, a topic that has fascinated the public and been a recurrent media theme for over 100 years while also remaining an area of scientific debate. The purpose of this research is to explore resonance through the lens of space alien movies, television, and video games. Through an in-depth media analysis and an expert interview, this study sheds light on what factors allow portrayals of extraterrestrial beings to resonate and what this can teach us about ourselves.
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Details
- Title
- Alien forms
- Creators
- Yitzhak Applebaum
- Contributors
- Michelle McHugh (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- iii, 47 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Television (and Media) Management; Cinema and Television; Drexel University; Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
- Other Identifier
- 991018530915604721