Dystopian Literature
Description:
In this unit, students will examine the idea of dystopia by looking at the way dystopian societies are portrayed in literature, and the reasons behind these various portrayals. They will not only look at the justifications and motivations leaders give for forming such a society, but also the reasons some authors choose to write about this topic. Through whole class reading, independent choice reading, and film, students will be exposed to several different types of dystopias. They will look at the social and historical context of each work, and connect it to the writing of dystopian literature in that context. They will then use what they have learned to create their own perfect society, realizing that there is really no such thing.
Essential and Subject Question(s):
Activities and Assessment(s):
Text Set:
Materials:
In this unit, students will examine the idea of dystopia by looking at the way dystopian societies are portrayed in literature, and the reasons behind these various portrayals. They will not only look at the justifications and motivations leaders give for forming such a society, but also the reasons some authors choose to write about this topic. Through whole class reading, independent choice reading, and film, students will be exposed to several different types of dystopias. They will look at the social and historical context of each work, and connect it to the writing of dystopian literature in that context. They will then use what they have learned to create their own perfect society, realizing that there is really no such thing.
Essential and Subject Question(s):
- EQ: How do authors use language to create a dystopia?
- EQ: How can literature be used to present a political agenda?
- SQ: What is a dystopia?
- SQ: What point is the author of the work making about society?
- SQ: What are some effective means of social control used and abused by leaders?
- SQ: What kind(s) of power do the masses have in society?
- SQ: Why is it not possible to have a true utopia (perfect society)?
Activities and Assessment(s):
- Three Dystopian Worlds: comparison essay of core text, choice text(s), and/or movie
- Presentation of Choice Book
- Literature Circles: small group discussion with explicit roles for each group member
- Reading Log: summaries, important quotes, analysis of theme(s), reflection, and list of unfamiliar words
- Comprehension and Analysis Questions: small group and individual work
- Whole Class Discussion
- Blog: students post and answer questions as well as comment on the responses of others
- Thematic Essay
- Build Your Own Utopia: groups identify social problems and attempt to solve them
Text Set:
- Fiction: 1984, by George Orwell; Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley; choice book; Utopia, by Sir Thomas More
- Nonfiction: A Student's Guide to George Orwell; "Huxley to Orwell: My Hellish Vision of the Future is Better Than Yours (1949);" Huxley's letter to Orwell
- Film: The Giver (2014)
Materials: