1. George Orwell’s 1984 History in the Making
THE BROTHERHOOD
BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU!
WAR IS PEACE
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH
ROOM 101

2. Student Objectives for Unit on Orwell’s1984
Students will be able to:
Identify various themes of novel and relate them to modern day
Define, understand and identify examples irony, symbolism, atmosphere and foreshadowing in the novel 1984
Define and comprehend totalitarianism, fascism, Nazism and democracy
Recognize how current historical events are relevant to novel; how history today is similar and different than what is described in the book
Recall pertinent events from novel and history, interpret the meaning of implied usage through the author’s words and apply critical thinking skills to understand what the author is truly trying to illustrate

3. Standards being address in the unit on Orwell’s 1984
Explore literature and history by recognizing common themes and events that run through works, using evidence to substantiate ideas.
Relate the cultural and historical contexts to modern day
Make associations between historical and current viewpoints
Understand how literary movements influence writers
Develop critiques that are supported with reasons and evidence
Show an understanding of how author’s background, assumptions and social values affect texts.
Comprehend texts that explain principles, issues and concepts at work in the world in order to discern significant differences and similarities amount the texts
Extend engagement with the selected activities by observing how the experience of history and literature broadens and enriches real life

4. Rationale for the Unit on Orwell’s 1984
Before reading the novel 1984 by George Orwell, consider the following:
History is doomed to repeat itself if it is not learned from initially. We currently live in a democracy where people have some semblance of power; however, it was not always as such. With the rise of Communism and Fascism in the 1930’s and 1940’s, people’s rights were diminished or nullified, and political, social and economic changes occurred that affected people’s lives immensely.
The purpose of such a novel as 1984 is to make people think about the future, to make people wonder and think about what the future will bring. How will people be affected by the changes? Will people in general from the future be different from the present? If so, how and why? Are the changes for the betterment of mankind or are the changes for the betterment of the government? Is mankind headed in a direction that will have positive results or will
history be repeating itself?
Consider the answers to the questions as you read the novel.

5. Planned Activities
Complete a scavenger hunt to obtain information about Stalin, Hitler, KGB, Spanish Civil War, Cold War, the atmosphere of Europe during the 1930’s and 40’s.
Using the internet search for the information listed above and write down a paragraph of pertinent information pertaining to control, how the government was run and how it may or may not have impacted the people's rights/ freedoms. .

6. Strap yourself in and get ready to travel to a world not so long ago!
Using the following websites below, read about Stalin.
After reading, answer the following questions:
A. After WWII, people’s hopes began to rise. What was Stalin’s fear? Was his fear justified? Why or why not?
B. Imagined atrocities supposedly committed by the Americans began to appear in the newspapers. Why was such a thing done? What does that indicate pertaining to Stalin’s hold over his people?
C. It was said that Stalin had an “unlimited will of power.” What does that statement mean?
D. Describe the Great Purge? What was the purpose? Could such a thing be done today in America? Explain your answer.

7. Beginning of the Cold war and Related Activities
Using the following websites below, read about The Cold War.
After reading, answer the following questions:
A. The Yalta Conference was considered the beginning of the Cold War explain why?
B. The Cold War lasted from the mid 1940’s till the late 1980’s. In one paragraph explain what the Cold War was about, and provide two policies or act’s that happen during this time.
Describe the Selective Service Act. What was the beginning age that a person must register?
The United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics were the two superpowers describe each of their political ideologies regarding democracy, capitalism, and communism. What made them superpowers? Who were the principle allies of the United States during the Cold War?
If you cant find the info on the links provided, google the information.. 

8. Democracy smecrocacy…what’s the big deal?
In America, we live in a democracy. To many that is a wonderful thing. To many, they do not know or understand what it is like to live in such a nation.
Using the following websites, read and learn about the different types of government.
After reading, complete the following activities:
A. Define totalitarianism, fascism, Nazism, democracy, communism, dictatorship,
B. How does democracy compare to the other types of government?
C. What would America be like today if we were suddenly made to become a totalitarian country instead of a democracy?