1. Utopia/Dystopia: Concept Review and Application

2. Dystopian versus Utopian Utopian refers to human efforts to create a hypothetically perfect society. Utopian refers to human efforts to create a hypothetically perfect society. It refers to good but impossible proposals - or at least ones that are difficult to carry out. It refers to good but impossible proposals - or at least ones that are difficult to carry out. Dystopian is the opposite of utopian; it is often a utopia gone sour, an imaginary place or state where everything is as bad as it could be. Dystopian is the opposite of utopian; it is often a utopia gone sour, an imaginary place or state where everything is as bad as it could be.

3. Dystopian Novels Dystopian novels usually include elements of contemporary society and are seen as a warning against some modern trend. Dystopian novels usually include elements of contemporary society and are seen as a warning against some modern trend. Writers use them as cautionary tales, in which humankind is put into a society that may look inviting on the surface but in reality, is a nightmare. Writers use them as cautionary tales, in which humankind is put into a society that may look inviting on the surface but in reality, is a nightmare.

4. Examples of Dystopian Novels and Films 1984 1984 Brave New World Brave New World Fahrenheit 451 Fahrenheit 451 A Clockwork Orange A Clockwork Orange Animal Farm Animal Farm The Giver The Giver The Time Machine The Time Machine AND ANTHEM! AND ANTHEM! District 9 District 9 The Island The Island Gattaca Gattaca The Matrix The Matrix Idiocracy Idiocracy V is for Vendetta V is for Vendetta I, Robot I, Robot Terminator Terminator The Truman Show The Truman Show

5. Anthem Anthem by Ayn Rand Anthem by Ayn Rand –The setting is the future world after the destruction of technology and the individual, where the concept of “we” rules and the head of state is the World Council. –The hero’s longing for truth and individuality leads him to secretly rebel against the government. –He is arrested by the “Council of the Home” who torture him in the name of collectivism. –The hero escapes his society to form a new world of technological progress and celebration of the individual.

6. Relation to the Real World Anthem serves as a cautionary tale against communism/collectivism Anthem serves as a cautionary tale against communism/collectivism Collectivism is any moral, political, or social outlook, that emphasizes the interdependence of every human in some collective group and the priority of group goals over individual goals. Collectivism is any moral, political, or social outlook, that emphasizes the interdependence of every human in some collective group and the priority of group goals over individual goals. Collectivists focus on community and society, and seek to give priority to group rights over individual rights. Collectivists focus on community and society, and seek to give priority to group rights over individual rights. In many ways, this reflects Rand’s feelings about the rise of socialism/communism in the time before and after WWII.

7. everyone equal, thinks the same way force, spying, secret police evils of totalitarianism no war or poverty, only happiness change what people want sacrificing culture for “happiness” absence of things disrup- tive to society book burnings, no personal expression consequences of fast-paced society absence of things disrup- tive to society government control of feelings, jobs sacrificing “humanity” for conformity 1984 Brave New World Fahrenheit 451 The Giver Goals Methods Used Theme Other Dystopian Literature

8. Examples of Real Life Utopian Societies Religious Religious Communistic Communistic Agricultural Agricultural

9. Religious Utopias Freedom of religion attracted European groups to America who were persecuted in their own countries. Freedom of religion attracted European groups to America who were persecuted in their own countries. Some colonists hoped to form Utopian societies, self-containing religious communities, removed from the perceived “vices” found in overcrowded cities. Some colonists hoped to form Utopian societies, self-containing religious communities, removed from the perceived “vices” found in overcrowded cities. In these utopian societies, all aspects of people's lives were governed by their faith. In these utopian societies, all aspects of people's lives were governed by their faith.

10. Religious Utopias Example : the Shakers – a religious group who fled to the United States in 1774 to escape persecution. They formed a tight knit community, which required celibacy (no sexual relations) and the separation of men and women in daily life. Example : the Shakers – a religious group who fled to the United States in 1774 to escape persecution. They formed a tight knit community, which required celibacy (no sexual relations) and the separation of men and women in daily life. Their religious expression included productive labor, peace, the equality of the sexes, and a ritual noted for its dancing and shaking.

11. Communistic Utopias The Soviet Union represented the creation of a political utopia on a larger scale than had ever been attempted before. The Soviet Union represented the creation of a political utopia on a larger scale than had ever been attempted before. Communism was seen as the creation of a working society in which all give according to their means and take according to their needs. This aspect promised the future freedom of all people in a world free of oppression and inequality. Communism was seen as the creation of a working society in which all give according to their means and take according to their needs. This aspect promised the future freedom of all people in a world free of oppression and inequality.

12. Communistic Utopias By the end of the 1920s, the disadvantages of Soviet Communism were evident. By the end of the 1920s, the disadvantages of Soviet Communism were evident. After taking power, Joseph Stalin forced peasants to work on the land, forced intellectuals into prison camps, burned books, and contributed to the death of millions. After taking power, Joseph Stalin forced peasants to work on the land, forced intellectuals into prison camps, burned books, and contributed to the death of millions. He used mass media to create a godlike image of himself, and any opponents were executed or deported. He used mass media to create a godlike image of himself, and any opponents were executed or deported.

13. Agricultural Utopias In the 1960s, thousands of people formed communes in Europe and the U.S. in an attempt to redefine the institutions of marriage, family and economy. In the 1960s, thousands of people formed communes in Europe and the U.S. in an attempt to redefine the institutions of marriage, family and economy. People headed "back to the land“, questioning the benefits of a society based on technology and competition. People headed "back to the land“, questioning the benefits of a society based on technology and competition.

14. Agricultural Utopias While most of those communities disbanded, many have survived, emphasizing economic and social cooperation. While most of those communities disbanded, many have survived, emphasizing economic and social cooperation. Some communities are separate from the rest of society while others hope to serve as an example of a better lifestyle to the rest of the world. Some communities are separate from the rest of society while others hope to serve as an example of a better lifestyle to the rest of the world.

15. What Will Your World Be Like? Think about what worked—and what failed—in the utopian texts you’ve read. How were good ideas turned ugly in practice? What balance does there need to be between control and choice, between the greater good and what individuals want? What will people tolerate? Think about what worked—and what failed—in the utopian texts you’ve read. How were good ideas turned ugly in practice? What balance does there need to be between control and choice, between the greater good and what individuals want? What will people tolerate? How will you form a utopia? What is the biggest issue that must be addressed to “fix” society? How will you form a utopia? What is the biggest issue that must be addressed to “fix” society? What may have to be “sacrificed” in order to create this society? What may have to be “sacrificed” in order to create this society?

16. The Project You will demonstrate your understanding of the concept of a utopian society and the issues that must be considered when trying to make a “perfect world” by writing and designing the utopia of your dreams and proving to your classmates that it’s the best place to live. While all options for this group project involve individuals writing parts of a plan for your society, the advertisement project ideas are endless—Blog/Website, Brochure, PowerPoint Presentation, Video Advertisement/Infomercial (script), Promotional Letter, Poster, etc. What do you want to do? Tell me and I’ll tell you if it’s appropriate. You will demonstrate your understanding of the concept of a utopian society and the issues that must be considered when trying to make a “perfect world” by writing and designing the utopia of your dreams and proving to your classmates that it’s the best place to live. While all options for this group project involve individuals writing parts of a plan for your society, the advertisement project ideas are endless—Blog/Website, Brochure, PowerPoint Presentation, Video Advertisement/Infomercial (script), Promotional Letter, Poster, etc. What do you want to do? Tell me and I’ll tell you if it’s appropriate. In order to meet all the criteria of this assignment, you must include all of the contents listed in the categories to follow. You can incorporate them into your project any way you want as long as you meet the requirements. Check the rubrics for additional details on the expectations for the project. In order to meet all the criteria of this assignment, you must include all of the contents listed in the categories to follow. You can incorporate them into your project any way you want as long as you meet the requirements. Check the rubrics for additional details on the expectations for the project.contentsrubricscontentsrubrics

17. You Must Decide… Write a Declaration of Independence or Purpose: What will you be about? Write a Declaration of Independence or Purpose: What will you be about?Declaration of Independence Declaration of Independence Describe the Government, Laws, and Economic/Social Structures: How will life be structured? Describe the Government, Laws, and Economic/Social Structures: How will life be structured?Government Explain your Motto and Flag: How will you represent your ideas? Explain your Motto and Flag: How will you represent your ideas?Motto and FlagMotto and Flag And of course…Name it and Advertise: How will you promote your vision? And of course…Name it and Advertise: How will you promote your vision?Advertise

18. Declaration of Independence/Purpose Write a statement (2+ paragraphs) describing the reasons for your formation of a utopian society. In other words, what specifically don’t you like about current society? How has the current society broken trust with you? Why do you feel the need to form a “more perfect” society? How will your utopia deal with and/or eliminate the problems of society today? You might refer to the U.S. Declaration of Independence for ideas and consider the following issues: Write a statement (2+ paragraphs) describing the reasons for your formation of a utopian society. In other words, what specifically don’t you like about current society? How has the current society broken trust with you? Why do you feel the need to form a “more perfect” society? How will your utopia deal with and/or eliminate the problems of society today? You might refer to the U.S. Declaration of Independence for ideas and consider the following issues:U.S. Declaration of Independence U.S. Declaration of Independence Poverty, Hunger Poverty, Hunger Education, Unemployment Education, Unemployment War, Crime/Violence War, Crime/Violence Prejudice/Discrimination, Civil Rights Prejudice/Discrimination, Civil Rights Environment Environment Marriage/Family Marriage/Family Health/Sickness Health/Sickness Treatment of youth & the elderly Treatment of youth & the elderly

19. The Political, Economic, and Social Structures Include an explanation of how life carries on in your society. In a few paragraphs, be sure to explain: Include an explanation of how life carries on in your society. In a few paragraphs, be sure to explain: Governing Body- Governing Body- Governing Body- Governing Body- Explain how your utopia will be run: How will the government of this utopia be structured? Will you have a democracy, an anarchy, a monarchy, or a dictatorship? How will your utopia make decisions (big ones and everyday rulings)? Who will have a say? How will the people be informed or involved? The Rules/Regulations- The Rules/Regulations- Develop a list of at least 10 laws or codes that all community members must follow. Provide a rationale (the reasons) for the rules. These can include, but are not limited to the following prompts: –What are the rules for responsible and moral behavior? –Will there be a system of punishment for those who commit crimes? (You may want to develop a list of crimes and corresponding punishments.) –Will there be a system of punishment for those who commit crimes? (You may want to develop a list of crimes and corresponding punishments.) –How will people be educated? What will you teach? –How will people be educated? What will you teach? –How free will people be? Free to think? Free to hate? Free to support any belief? –How free will people be? Free to think? Free to hate? Free to support any belief? Economic and Social Life- Economic and Social Life- Provide information about how the people in your utopia live. What do the people of your country do for a living? How do they make money and spend money? Where do they live? How much connection do they have with each other? How do people get along with one another and contribute to society? What roles do media, religion, and cultural beliefs/practices play in everyday life?

20. Utopian Motto and Seal/Flag Create a slogan or motto that inhabitants of your utopia will follow, and develop a utopian seal or flag. (You may want to refer to our own state flag and motto for ideas.) Create a slogan or motto that inhabitants of your utopia will follow, and develop a utopian seal or flag. (You may want to refer to our own state flag and motto for ideas.) state flag and motto state flag and motto Your seal/flag should include symbols (animals, plants, etc.) that represent the ideals of your utopia. Your seal/flag should include symbols (animals, plants, etc.) that represent the ideals of your utopia. Include a written explanation (2+ paragraphs) of your chosen motto and seal/flag that reveals the meaning and significance of the motto and the colors/symbols you choose for your seal. Include a written explanation (2+ paragraphs) of your chosen motto and seal/flag that reveals the meaning and significance of the motto and the colors/symbols you choose for your seal.

21. Name and Advertise Your Utopian Society Choose a creative and appropriate name to represent your new society. (Be sure your advertisement explains your choice in a way that makes the reasons for the name clear.) Choose a creative and appropriate name to represent your new society. (Be sure your advertisement explains your choice in a way that makes the reasons for the name clear.) Incorporating the ideas of your group (on purpose, government, everyday life, motto, etc.), develop an advertisement for your community that explains how awesome your society is and why it should be joined. Incorporating the ideas of your group (on purpose, government, everyday life, motto, etc.), develop an advertisement for your community that explains how awesome your society is and why it should be joined. This ad could take a variety of forms (Blog/Website, Brochure, PowerPoint Presentation, Video Advertisement/Infomercial (script), Promotional Letter, Poster, etc.) but should include relevant images and incorporate the information above in a few original paragraphs throughout the advertisement. This ad could take a variety of forms (Blog/Website, Brochure, PowerPoint Presentation, Video Advertisement/Infomercial (script), Promotional Letter, Poster, etc.) but should include relevant images and incorporate the information above in a few original paragraphs throughout the advertisement.

22. Rubric: Individual Writing (100) 2/3/03 SKILL AREAResponses at the top level:Value Meaning: the extent to which the writing exhibits sound understanding/ explanation of the writing task  convey an accurate and in-depth understanding of the topic, audience, and purpose for the writing task  offer insightful and thorough explanation in support of the topic, incorporating evidence and conclusions reached from the texts read and research on the issues. /25 Development: the extent to which ideas are elaborated  develop ideas clearly and fully, effectively integrating and elaborating on specific, relevant details /25 Organization: the extent to which the writing establishes a clear thesis and maintains direction, focus, & coherence  skillfully establish and maintain consistent focus  exhibit logical and coherent structure with claims, evidence and interpretations that convincingly support the main ideas  make skillful use of transition words and phrases /15 Language: the extent to which the writing reveals an awareness of audience and purpose through word choice and sentence variety  are stylistically sophisticated, using language that is precise and engaging, with a notable sense of voice and awareness of audience and purpose  effectively incorporate a range of varied sentence patterns to reveal syntactic fluency /15 Requirements & Conventions: the extent to which the writing exhibits conventions and meets reqs  demonstrate control of the conventions with essentially no errors in spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and grammar  meets the requirements of style and length /20

23. Rubric: Group Project Requirements (50) ItemsDetailsValue Declaration of Independence States reasons for formation of the new society and explains those reasons with detailed evidence. Language is appropriate for a formal statement. /10 Utopian Motto and Seal/Flag Provide a clear representation of the aspects of the society upon which the utopia is founded. Description clearly provides the rationale for the selection and makes strong connections to the beliefs upon which the society is founded. Language is clear, and images appropriate. /10 Political, Economic, & Social Structures Governing Body: Outlines the system of government that oversees the society. Rationales are clearly explained. Rules: Includes clear rules for appropriate behavior that are in line with the beliefs upon which the society is founded. Economic/Social Life: The manner in which people live is clearly explained. Activities and roles clearly align with the beliefs. /10 Name & Advertisement Uses a creative and appropriate name that captures the spirit of the new society. Presents life in the utopia in a clear (organized) message that engages potential citizens. The details in the ad clearly align with the beliefs upon which the society is founded. Persuades others to join the society, giving clear reasons why the utopia is appropriate for them. Uses casual, semi-formal language to engage readers and aesthetically pleasing images and design to set the desired tone. /10 Team WorkGroup members work together to make decisions and accomplish goals, while individuals pull their weight by completing assigned tasks on time. /10